THE leader of Worcester City Council has hit back at criticism made about his appointment to a top job on Worcestershire County Council's cabinet.

Councillor Simon Ger-aghty was re-elected as the Guildhall leader, despite the Labour group calling for him to step down.

As the Worcester News reported this week, Coun Geraghty has been appointed as the county council's cabinet member for planning, economy and performance, while continuing to serve as the city council's leader.

The Labour group wants the controlling Conserv-ative group to nominate someone else as leader.

The critics say leading the city council is a full-time job - and that his new county appointment could lead to a conflict of interest. Labour's Coun Jo Hodges, said: "I believe there is a conflict of interest.

"On one hand, he wants the city council to make slow progress on shared services, but at the county council he is required to work towards making cost-cutting savings from it."But Coun Geraghty said: "There is an element of character assassination going on and it needs to be refuted. I believe the two councils can work together to ensure Worcester continues to punch above its weight. Last week I met with the other district councils leaders to make sure we're going forward on shared services."