DURHAM City Council's deputy leader will not face charges following a complaint to police by a fellow councillor.

The Crown Prosecution Service has recommended that no action be taken against Mildred Brown, who is currently suspended by the regional Labour Party.

Veteran Croxdale councillor Joe Anderson lodged a complaint against Coun Brown earlier this year. It arose from a conversation between them that took place after the Croxdale branch Labour Party officially complained about Coun Brown to senior regional party officials.

That complaint stemmed from the case of the council's former principal safety officer Mac Williams, who alleged he suffered racial abuse while working for the council.

The council denied racial discrimination but agreed to pay £6,500 on the eve of an industrial tribunal hearing into the claims.

The police launched their investigation into the complaint against Coun Brown four months ago and sent a file to the CPS.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "The CPS has now told us there is insufficient evidence to pursue a prosecution."