A NEWLY-installed council leader in East Lancashire could be a 'puppet leader' for outside influences to control, opposition councillors have claimed.

Uproar greeted suggestions by Rossendale's Labour leader Coun Alyson Barnes that new Tory council leader Coun Tony Swain had been "put up" for the role by "someone from outside his group".

Coun Barnes said at the full council meeting: "I think Tony has been put up for this by someone from outside the group.

"What I don't want to see is our leader's puppet strings being pulled by someone outside the council.

"This council is run by 36 elected members and that is right and proper.

"If people want that kind of influence then they should stand for the council, go before the electorate, and stand for the leadership of that particular group.

"It does concern me that the momentum is coming from somewhere else and it is about someone else having that level of influence within this chamber."

But Coun Barnes, when asked directly about the identity of the person or persons she was referring to, declined to comment further.

The Labour leader also questioned whether, given Coun Swain's work commitments, he would be able to devote enough time to the role of council leader, and ensure Rossendale's voice was heard at vital regional and sub-regional forums.

Coun Swain, who represents Longholme ward, is the managing director of an information technology consultancy firm in Rawtenstall.

Coun Peter Steen, who seconded Coun Swain's nomination as council leader, said: "Coun Swain will give all the time required to the council as he has a belief in Rossendale and believes in taking this council forward.

"If there is any suggestion of puppet strings there will be 18 pairs of scissors on this side of the chamber that will be cutting those strings.

"I think that this is a disgraceful slur on someone who is prepared to put into moving this council forward."

Coun Swain said: "We should all pull together, the whole 36 members of the council, for the betterment of Rossendale."

Ruling Tories at Rossendale asked previous council leader Duncan Ruddick to stand down earlier this month following a string of by-election defeats, which had reduced the Conservatives majority to just two seats.