OUTGOING Labour leader Maurice Crathorne defended his party's running of Durham City.

The council was dogged by controversy and what should have been its finest hour - the Gala Theatre and the Millennium City complex - hit the headlines for the wrong reasons when the theatre management company, The Entertainment Team (Durham), collapsed with debts of £700,000.

"I think we did a tremendous job. We took a lot of criticism and our backs were to the wall but it brings out the best in you," he said. "We have delivered a lot for the city. The Gala is a great asset. It's easy to be in opposition and criticise but they (the Lib-Dems) will find out we will be a more effective opposition than they were."

Coun Crathorne, 67, has stood down as leader after six years. "I made it clear I wouldn't be leader even if we were in control. What we have to do is to re-organise for the general election and get back in control of Durham City Council in four years' time."