The leader and deputy leader of the Labour opposition on Northumberland County Council are to stand down later this year.

Northumberland Labour has announced the impending retirement from their positions within the group of Coun. Grant Davey and Coun. Dave Ledger, who served as leader and deputy leader respectively of the council during the party’s administration from 2013 to 2017.

The pair will stand down from office following the group’s AGM on May 1.

Coun Davey said: “I have proudly led the Labour group through good times and bad for the last 11 years, for the last six of those ably assisted by my deputy, friend and colleague, Dave Ledger, but as we move forward into the final two years of the current administration’s period in office, our group has always known that a new team with new ideas is required to formulate the manifesto and political campaign for the future.

“It has been a great experience working with some very good councillors and officers and I have enjoyed working in public service at a high level for the people of Northumberland and my own town of Blyth, but like all things in life, change must happen to progress and modernise for the future.”

In December, Coun. Davey claimed he had no intention of resigning after Northumberland Conservatives called for him to step aside.