SEVERAL senior Labour figures will be named in Ray Mallon's cabinet when the mayor announces his team to run Middlesbrough today.

The former detective, who won the mayoral race with a landslide vote earlier this month, has offered several former political enemies key posts in the new administration.

Labour leader Paul Thompson, who last month said he would not accept a position in Mr Mallon's cabinet, seems to have had a change of heart and will be appointed head of education.

Veteran Labour councillor Bob Brady has been chosen as deputy mayor.

Mr Mallon revealed his six choices yesterday to a closed meeting of less than 20 councillors who had applied for cabinet positions.

He then spoke to cabinet members individually to discuss their portfolios.

His appointments come just days after the town's Labour group agreed to bury the hatchet with the former head of Middlesbrough CID.

On Friday, Labour councillors, who have a majority on the authority, unanimously agreed to work with Mr Mallon after previously rejecting proposals to co-operate.

Also from the Labour group are former council leader Mike Carr, who will be in charge of culture and regeneration, and Barry Coppinger, who will be responsible for law and order.

Mr Mallon's fellow independent councillor, Ron Lowes, will hold the environment role.

The social services portfolio goes to Conservative Brenda Thompson, although Labour had hoped to push their Labour policies in that area.

The councillors who have been chosen have more than 100 years' experience between them.

The Liberal Democrats are not represented in the cabinet.

Leader Tom Mawston, the only member of his group to apply for a cabinet position, said he was disappointed.

"There was no indication at all of what was coming," he said. "But I won't spit my dummy out - that is not my style. We will continue as we have done and work with him."

Mr Mallon is expected to choose another three cabinet members soon. He could not be contacted for comment last night.