Change of Fortune for mayor

Mayor Drummond is happy at Mr Fortune's return

There has been a political reshuffle in Hartlepool for the first time since elected mayor Stuart Drummond took over a year ago.

Mr Drummond has brought back the man who resigned from his cabinet four months ago, after a disagreement over Council Tax.

Conservative Stanley Fortune stood down after a disagreement over council tax.

The mayor said: "That is water under the bridge now. We didn't ever fall out, it was all very amicable.

"It was a matter of a difference of opinion, he resigned on a matter of principle, which is something I fully understand.

"It didn't take much persuading to get him to come back, and I am very happy at the decision and so if everyone I have spoken to."

Large budget

Mr Fortune has been reinstalled to look after the resources portfolio, which he describes as a "vital" role.

And 31-year-old Labour councillor, Iain Wright, one of the youngest members of the council, takes over the performance management portfolio.

Former call centre worker Mr Drummond won the race for Hartlepool's mayoral seat, carrying an annual salary of £53,000, in May 2002.

He switched from attending games for Hartlepool as their ape mascot H'angus, to handling the borough's £100m budget.