THE new leader of Darlington's Liberal Democrats believes the party will finally establish itself.

Councillor Martin Swainston, who represents Hurworth, was elected leader by his fellow Lib Dem councillors earlier this month.

The previous leader, Councillor Steve Jones, was sacked by the party after inadvertently nominating a BNP candidate for the May 3 election.

In that election, Lib Dem went from three councillors to five.

But Coun Swainston says that number will increase during the next few years.

"We now have an extremely professional group of hard-working councillors and we have got a lot of support from residents in those wards," he said.

"It's about taking that forward, building on it, and hopefully in a few years' time, delivering a council that is democratic and does properly represent people's views.

"We have gone past the embryonic stage and we are now in the next stage of growth.

"In four, eight, or 12 years, it wouldn't be unrealistic to see a massive increase in Lib Dem councillors."

Coun Swainston, who lives in Middleton St George, was elected to Darlington Borough Council in the 2005 Hurworth by-election.

"I got politicised quite early on, with some of the frustrations with what was going on round the town," he said.

"I joined the Liberal Democrats as I believe strongly in the liberal point of view and in local democracy.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence my fellow councillors have given in me."

In the North-East, the Lib Dems control Newcastle City Council and the City of Durham Council.