UPDATE: New leader for Flintshire Council

At the authority's annual meeting to be held at County Hall in Mold this morning, councillors will vote on the formation of the whole council, and the balance of power should become clear.

The biggest group on the new council are the independents, although Labour, despite losing control at the recent elections, remain a large group with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives both in a position to influence the makeup of the cabinet with their vital votes.

Speculation over whether a coalition could be formed and who would lead it has been rife at County Hall, with a number of possible contenders being discussed.

One man who appeared to rule himself out of the running was former council leader Aaron Shotton. The Labour group leader told the Evening Leader last week that he would be putting himself forward as leader of the opposition, after his party's disappointing showing at the polls which reflected a national slump in support for Labour.

He said: "As a party we cannot deny that we have received a clear message through the electorate. Such is the power of democracy.

"Therefore the Labour group has listened and learned and will form the opposition party on Flintshire County Council.

"We want the electorate to know that we will continue to strive to do our very best and our focus and concentration continues to be the people of Flintshire and the fight for social justice."

Cllr Bernie Attridge, former executive member for housing, has been named as deputy leader of the Labour group.

Don't miss tomorrow's Leader for the latest from the struggle for power in Flintshire.