Who will be new leader?

The person who will step into Councillor Dennis Norton's shoes as council leader is expected to be elected at a special meeting of the full council on October 19.

Although all nominations will be accepted and voted on, it is usual for the leader of the largest party to get the job.

Until the post is filled, deputy leader Cllr Rita Taylor (Con-Linthurst) has assumed the powers of leader.

Cllr Norton's sudden resignation on Monday, September 26, shocked his colleagues and staff at the Council House. Some who later spoke to the Advertiser/Messenger said they had no inkling he was planning to resign.

In a statement Cllr Norton said he believed now was the right time to step aside for someone younger. Cllr Norton is 72 and has been leader for three-and-a- half years. The next local elections are in May 2007.

He was elected as a councillor in 1999 after spearheading the campaign to save the Recreation Ground. During his first year as a councillor, he surprised many by being handed the plum job of chairman of planning, a post he relished.

During his stint he made important changes to improve the service to the public. Later he realised the council was not making satisfactory progress and challenged for the leadership, beating Cllr Nick Psirides by one vote.

As leader and realising the authority was in bad shape from years of indifferent administration and archaic practices, Cllr Norton took the brave decision to seek voluntary engagement, that is help from the Government to get the authority back on track.

His belief that the tide has now turned and the recovery plan is working, helped him make up his mind to resign. He will however, remain a councillor for St John's ward.

Cllr Taylor said: "He will be greatly missed. The contribution he made to get the council back on its feet was over and above the call of duty."

But Labour leader Cllr Peter McDonald (Beacon) was not so charitable: "We will certainly not miss him," he said.