THE leader of Pendle Council is standing by the borough's newly-elected Mayor, Coun Colin Waite, following allegations in a Sunday tabloid about his personal life.

An article appeared in the News of the World yesterday, only three days after Coun Waite was appointed to take over from Coun Fred Hartley, who recently resigned.

It was then revealed Coun Hartley had left his wife and children and that he was being quizzed by police over allegations of a sexual nature.

Coun Hartley was not charged, but a file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Coun Waite and his wife, Julie, were elected Mayor and Mayoress for a second time at the Pendle Council meeting on Thursday.

Coun Waite, 45, who represents Clover Hill ward, was apparently not at his home in Beech Tree Close, Nelson, yesterday.

A young woman answered the door and when asked if Coun Waite was in, replied: "No, I am not interested."

Coun Waite, the deputy leader of Pendle Council, has received the backing of council leader Azhar Ali.

Coun Ali said yesterday: "I am aware of the article, although I have not yet read it. Colin was an excellent mayor previously and has been re-elected to serve the people of Pendle.

"I am sure he will do a good job. I hope this is purely a distraction and that he can carry on the duties of the Mayor's office."

Coun Ali said Coun Waite had approached him to warn him about the article but there had been no discussion about the possibility of resignation.

Coun Waite was known as 'the smiling mayor' when he was civic leader with his wife Julie as mayoress.

He is also a Lancashire county councillor.

There were no engagements on the Mayor's diary for this week and nobody from Pendle Council chief executive Stephen Barnes' office was available to comment.