FORMER Lancashire Evening Telegraph journalist, and Rossendale Labour councillor Hazel Harding has been appointed vice-chairman of Lancashire County Council - amid claims from Conservatives that the party is hogging the posts of chairman and vice-chairman.

Angry Tories blasted Labour's choice of Labour Coun Don Yates as chairman and Coun Harding as vice-chairman at the annual meeting.

They pointed out there would be a Labour chairman for the 11th successive year.

Liberal Democrats sided with the Conservatives' nomination of veteran Coun Tom Croft, but were easily out-voted by the Labour majority.

"Since 1985 you have taken the role of chairman despite the fact that some people have considerable experience going right back to 1973," Conservative leader Coun Pat Case complained to the Labour ranks.

"We deplore it. It is not fair to the electorate and it is not fair to individuals who have given significant service to this county.

"It is petty of Labour to behave in this way."

Labour did not argue, but voted unanimously for councillors Yates and Harding.

Proposing Coun Yates, who represents Chorley East, Coun Bob Clark said: "He will be a great ambassador for the county council.

"Since 1981 he has chaired the land and buildings committee.

"He is now unemployed - one of Thatcher's army. He worked for Leyland DAF until he was made redundant. He can identify with people in the county.

Rossendale Coun Howard Quinn proposed Coun Harding, saying: "She is a true citizen of Lancashire." Coun Harding worked at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph from 1973 to1977, before leaving to bring up four daughters.

She and husband, Steve, live in Highfield, Crawshawbooth. Coun Harding represents Rossendale West on the county council, and the borough's Cribden ward on the district council.

"Coun Harding and her family very soon became integrated into the community and were the driving force behind the provision of a community centre," said Coun Quinn.

Seconding Coun Harding's nomination, Coun Nicola Penney added: "She is one of the most dependable people I have ever met and she is highly efficient."

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