Gateshead Liberal Democrats have announced their new leader following the retirement of councillor Jonathan Wallace who had been at the helm since 2015.
Current deputy leader Ron Beadle, a Low Fell councillor since 1996, is taking on the role and by default becomes leader of the opposition officially on January 26.
Coun Wallace announced he was to step down as leader earlier this month, following the deaths of his brother, Andrew, and a close friend, Richard. He also wants to devote more time to his recently expanded farm.
