THE former deputy leader of Northumberland County Council has detailed his reasons for resigning from his post.

Wayne Daley, who represented Cramlington North, resigned as deputy leader and cabinet member for children's services on Thursday.

Veronica Jones, who represented Ponteland West, also resigned from her post as portfolio holder for adult wellbeing & health.

Both councillors resigned just days after the council's CEO, Daljit Lally, was placed on leave after raising concerns over "possible bias" on the part of council leader, Peter Jackson.

In an email to Conservative colleagues, which has also been seen by the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service, Coun. Daley said: "I have made it very clear since July 27 that I believe the decision to remove the CEO would be detrimental to the group and our chances of winning a second term."

Council elections are set to take place in May 2021 and Coun. Daley explained that the leader needed "100 per cent backing on this single contentious issue" which he could not give as he disagreed with it.

He added that this "is probably the saddest day of my political life" and that he is "hugely proud of what this administration has done and achieved in three years."