Blaenau Gwent leader is selected

John Hopkins resigned ahead of a threatened vote against him

Blaenau Gwent has a new council leader, who is promising a "fresh start" for the authority from the Labour Party.

The Labour group on the council has selected Hedley McCarthy its new head.

Former leader John Hopkins resigned the position earlier this month, after he was told he would face a vote of no confidence.

Councillors in the Labour group have also appointed a new deputy leader, Steve Thomas, after his predecessor was suspended.

Nigel Daniels faced a complaint to the ombudsman for Wales about alleged bullying.

I hope we can put party politics to one side and work together for the sake of the people of Blaenau Gwent Hedley McCarthy

Speaking after the announcement, Hedley McCarthy insisted that the new leadership would run a competent council and listen to the priorities of local people.

"This is the beginning of a fresh start for Blaenau Gwent, " he said.

"I want to work together with local people and Labour's new parliamentary candidate for Blaenau Gwent to deliver the very best for people, a new Blaenau Gwent."

Independent AM

The former leader John Hopkins was the Labour candidate at last year's Welsh assembly by-election in Blaenau Gwent.

He lost to Trish Law, who fought the seat when her husband Peter Law, who was both the AM and MP for the constituency, died of a brain tumour in April, 2006.

She retained her place as the constituency's assembly member in this year's election.

Councillor McCarthy said: "I will work closely with the independent AM and MP because that is what people would expect us to do.

"I hope we can put party politics to one side and work together for the sake of the people of Blaenau Gwent."