Local Labour Councillors on NELC have elected me to be their leader, and it is an honour and responsibility that I have gratefully accepted.

Our ambition is to rebuild the trust and confidence of local residents and communities after a disappointing set of results for the Labour party in the recent local elections. Over the coming months and years, we will be bringing fresh drive and ideas to the council, making sure at all times that residents know that their voice and views are at the heart of all that we stand for.

The Conservatives will soon be taking full control of our council, and we will be getting on with the job of making sure that they deliver on all the promises that they made to the public.

Matt Patrick