A NEW deputy leader for Darlington Borough Council has been named.

Steve Harker will act as deputy to leader Bill Dixon as part of the new cabinet.

Councillor Harker's promotion comes as a result of Councillor Dixon, who served as deputy for 20 years, succeeding JohnWilliams as group leader.

Other posts on the cabinet will be filled by Cyndi Hughes, Veronica Copeland, Andy Scott, Chris McEwan, David Lyonette and Nick Wallis.

Councillor Hughes will be in charge of children and young people's services, Councillor Copeland of adult social care and housing, Councillor McEwan of economy and regeneration and Councillor Lyonette of transport. Councillor Scott will be cabinet member for health and partnerships and Councillor Wallis for leisure and local environment.