A TOWN'S new mayor vowed last night that his programme of change would go ahead - with or without the backing of the council's controlling Labour group.

Former detective Ray Mallon said squabbling Middlesbrough councillors should either sort out their differences, or get left behind.

The man who swept to power a week ago, with a landslide 26,362 votes, is appointing his cabinet.

The Labour group has rejected the recommendation of Councillor Paul Thompson, its leader, to proceed on the basis of general co-operation with the mayor.

But according to Councillor Oliver Johnson, deputy Labour leader, a working agreement with the mayor could be just days away.

He said: "This is new for everybody and we need to get it right, and I am sure we will come to something suitable for all concerned.

"We all recognise the public has ringingly endorsed Mr Mallon as elected mayor - we realise that."

It was just a matter of dotting the Is and crossing the Ts, said Coun Johnson.

"We are a Labour group and we have procedures, and what we want to know is where he stands as regards the way forward," he said.

Mr Mallon said last night: "I have spent a very busy and productive week with the chief executive, John Foster, to start my work as mayor, working to fulfil the promises I have made to the people of Middlesbrough and deliver the changes they voted for.

"This latest issue is entirely a matter for the party concerned, but I want to make it clear that no one will stop me or divert me in any way from fulfilling my pledge to the people of Middlesbrough and delivering what they expect.''

Meanwhile, Hartlepool's new mayor, Stuart Drummond, has until Monday to decide on his cabinet, when he can choose up to nine people to join him.

The politician, formerly known as H'Angus the Monkey, is having discussions with all the political parties and independent councillors that make up the borough council.