THE leader of the region's biggest council could be the highest profile casualty of a Labour party cull aimed at increasing the number of women councillors.

Ken Manton, leader of County Durham County Council, is one of a number of male councillors facing the axe because of a 50 per cent women's quota being introduced by Labour party chiefs.

The controversial move, in line with national policy, has angered many of the "old guard" who feel they are unfairly being singled out.

Privately, some county councillors have also spoken of their fears that the quota is being used to settle old scores and get rid of those no longer in favour.

Currently, the ruling Labour party on County Durham Council has 48 male councillors and only four female councillors.

Because of the disparity, local Labour party branches have been asked to recommend which county councillors should lose the party nomination ahead of elections on May 5 and be replaced by women.

The Northern Echo understands that at least three county councillors, Councillor Manton, Councillor Bill Blenkinsopp and Councillor Terry Hogan, who all hold seats in the Sedgefield district, are not being recommended for re-selection.

It is understood that several more Labour county councillors will face the same fate.

Councillors Manton, Blenkinsopp and Hogan have been unavailable for comment, but their position along with others is to be discussed by County Durham Labour party officials this weekend about the quota policy.

Last night, Rita Taylor, secretary of the Sedgefield constituency Labour party, said: "It is the branches and their membership that are asking for a change in this case, and what they are saying is that these three people don't represent the views of the local Labour party and don't represent their communities in the way that people are happy with."

She added: "Durham is one of the worst authorities in the country in terms of female representatives and it cannot be right that 93 per cent of our county councillors are male.

"Within the party there is consensus about this and what we are trying to do is affect the change needed by bringing people with us rather than having battles about it.

"I am very confident that by this time next year, while we may not have 50 per cent of our councillors as women, we will have taken significant steps towards that leading to a council which is ultimately more reflective and responsive."

Coun Manton has been a Durham county councillor for the past 15 years and was appointed leader in June 2001, succeeding Don Robson.

It is thought that he and others affected could choose to become independents.

Emma Thorne, Labour's Northern region director, said: "We have been going through a process in the last 18 months to increase the level of female representation in elected positions."