AN olive branch was last night offered to Middlesbrough mayoral hopeful Ray Mallon by the politician who deposed one of the former detective's biggest critics.

Councillor Paul Thompson, 55, who was elected leader of Middlesbrough Council's ruling Labour group and effectively council leader on Monday night, pledged to work with whoever is declared mayor of the borough after the ballot, next month.

"It is an olive branch to whoever the elected mayor is. I am hoping it is Sylvia Connolly,'' Coun Thompson said, referring to the deputy leader of the Labour group, the party's candidate for the post.

He takes over as group leader from Councillor Ken Walker, who was at the helm for seven years and is also chairman of Cleveland Police Authority.

Former detective superintendent Mr Mallon was required to resign from the police service earlier this year after pleading guilty to 14 internal disciplinary charges. He was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

Coun Thompson, who secured the group leadership by the narrowest of margins - 21 votes to 20 - said: "One way or another, on May 3 we will have a brand new concept in politics no one has really explored before."

A philosophical Coun Walker said: "It is the way life goes. It was not something I was expecting. But it has happened. It is politics. Some you win, some you lose.

"Of course I am disappointed. I hoped I would get re-elected, but the democratic process was carried through and on this occasion I did not come out on top."

Mr Mallon said: "If elected as mayor I would have no problems in working with Mr Thompson, who, I am aware, is an extremely able politician.

"As far as Ken Walker is concerned I would have worked with him - no problem - on the basis that the public of Middlesbrough comes first and individual personalities second."

Coun Walker said: "I am not an enemy of Ray Mallon, but what I would say to him is you need to tell people the truth about the charges laid against you - 14 of which you pleaded guilty to."

The other candidates are Liberal Democrat Joe Michna, Conservative Ron Darby, Jeff Fowler of the Socialist Alliance and Independent Rod Jones.