It was the end of an era, drawing 100 years of Labour rule to a close and ushering in County Durham’s first “joint administration”, an alliance of former political rivals.
In the first of a series of features, the leaders of Conservative, Lib Dem and Independent groups tell reporter Gareth Lightfoot how their first six months of power in partnership have shaped up.
IT was a “momentous” change.
Labour lost control of Durham County Council for the first time in 100 years following a loss of seats in May’s election, and an alliance of opposing groups took the reins.
Former political rivals agreed to come together to form a “joint administration” at County Hall.
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Councillor Amanda Hopgood, Liberal Democrat group leader and the first woman to lead the council, says: “I see it…