A NORTH-East Conservative leader whose wife is standing as a Labour candidate has been forced to resign by members of his party.

Councillor Tony Richmond, leader of Darlington's Conservatives since May 1988, resigned after losing a vote of no confidence.

The vote was called by councillors angry that Coun Richmond's wife, Sue, will stand as a Labour candidate in the town's local elections in May, as revealed in The Northern Echo on Boxing Day.

Only three of Darlington's 14 Conservative councillors supported Coun Richmond, and one did not vote, as he was not present at the meeting.

There was also concern the Conservatives were not capitalising on controversial council policies, including the over-budget Pedestrian Heart project and Tesco's proposals to move into the town centre.

The unhappy councillors had already held meetings to discuss a change of leadership.

Coun Richmond said yesterday: "I am not leader of the group any more - but I am very proud of the service I have been able to give the people of Darlington.

"I intend to continue as a ward councillor in College ward. I will be a candidate in this May's elections, and I hope to be elected once more."

Councillor Heather Scott - who was runner-up to Coun Richmond in 1988 - is favourite to be elected as new leader, at least temporarily, at a meeting today.

She said: "Tony Richmond is one of Darlington's great Conservative figures. However, members are determined the time has come to signal a change in the direction and tempo of political debate.

"For this reason we intend to present both new ideas and a new leader at the forthcoming elections in May."

Other Conservative councillors were also keen to praise Coun Richmond.

"We have got great respect for Tony," said Councillor Doris Jones. "He has been a great Conservative. We are all fighting to make the most of our chances in May, including Tony."

Councillor Bill Stenson, first elected in 1965, said: "He will be remembered as a good leader. I was sorry to see this happen - a lot of wives vote differently to their husbands.

"I think he knew something was coming. It has been a trying time for him."

Councillor Peter Foster, who resigned from the Conservative group at Thursday's meeting after voting for Coun Richmond, said: "There is too much in-fighting. They are going to self-destruct."