PLANS to introduce "contracts" for Darlington school governors have come under fire from Conservative councillors.

The cabinet proposal was not discussed at Tuesday's ratification committee because it was "called in" by the lifelong learning scrutiny committee for an in-depth discussion on Tuesday morning. It is the first time this option has been used under Darlington's new system of local government.

Coun Tony Richmond, the Tory group leader, this week accused the cabinet of croneyism over its decision.

He said the proposed contracts, or protocols as they are termed, would force local education authority governors to abide by council policies or face the sack.

"The first duty of any school governor is to the school, the pupils and the parents, and not to the ruling council," he said.

Under the proposals discussed by the cabinet, governors would have to attend regular briefings and updates on council education issues.

In effect, by signing the protocol they would back the council's education policies. If they later decided to go against any of the council's policies they would be in breach of that contract.

"What they are obviously trying to do is create a situation where it is only their cronies who are prepared to sign up to promote their policies," said Coun Richmond. "I have heard that they intend to sack any governors who refuse to sign the contracts, and if that happens I will challenge it and ask for a judicial review."

Mr Geoff Pennington, director of education, stated: " We are trying to build better links with schools and we are not going to remove people."