LABOUR councillors have selected the next deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council.

Cllr Cathy Mitchell (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) secured the support of the Labour group in a meeting at the Town Hall this evening.

She battled it out against Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (LAB – Latchford West), Cllr Dan Price (LAB – Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall) and Cllr Hans Mundry (LAB – Latchford East) in the vote.

Cllr Russ Bowden (LAB – Birchwood), who is the current deputy leader and executive board member for corporate finance, will formally be elected as leader at the full council meeting on Monday.

He said: "We had four very able candidates tonight who are committed to achieving the very best for our town and have a strong record of delivery on the council.

"We have many challenges ahead as a result of continuing austerity.

"I look forward to working with Cathy in demonstrating the strength of our ambition and developing a compelling vision for Warrington that tackles the big issues and gives residents hope for the future."

Cllr Bowden’s election to the borough’s top job came after Cllr Terry O’Neill announced he will be stepping down, although he will continue serving as a Burtonwood and Winwick ward councillor.

The deputy post does not require ratification from full council.