THE ruling Labour party on the region's biggest council was in turmoil last night after its leader was de-selected from his seat.

Councillor Ken Manton, who represents Sedgefield on Durham County Council, will have to step down after elections in May after he was de-selected by his local Labour branch.

The Northern Echo first revealed in December last year how Coun Manton's position was under threat amid claims that he had lost the confidence of members of the Sedgefield constituency Lab-our party.

It is understood that one of the issues that brought matters to a head was over a lane in the town regularly used as a stopping point for travellers.

Residents repeatedly called for a lockable gate to be installed to close it, but Coun Manton consistently refused to support the request.

He was heavily criticised at a series of fiery public meetings over the issue, culminating in a vote of no confidence in him last year.

His de-selection has shocked many people in Labour circles, and also brought condemnation from political opponents.

It was thought that he could be replaced by a woman under party plans to increase the number of elected female representatives.

But party officials confirmed that his replacement will be John Robinson, a Sedgefield town and borough councillor.

Last night, Coun Manton, who has been a member of the county council for 16 years and spent the past four as leader, said he fully accepted the outcome.

He said: "It has been an honour and privilege to be a member and leader of Durham County Council.

"I fully intend to go on working within the Labour Party to achieve our objectives, and would hope that I can continue to play an active and major role in Labour politics for the foreseeable future."

Meanwhile, one of Coun Manton's former Labour colleagues, Bill Blenkinsopp, has criticised the party.

Coun Blenkinsopp, who was recently de-selected as a Labour candidate, said: "The Labour Party are just a disgrace. People are using their authority to witch hunt people out of their positions."

Independent county councillor John Shuttleworth said: "Ken Manton has done a very good job as leader of this council.

"I have had many a run-in with him, but all for the right reasons, and it is a scandal that someone of his calibre should be deselected."

Coun Manton's deputy, Don Ross, said many at County Hall were disgusted by his treatment.

He said: "A lot of people are devastated and upset.

"The man has been damned for no good reason to the detriment of the county council."