BURNLEY Council leader, Kath Reade, who survived a power struggle at her group's annual meeting, said Labour would now go forward collectively to implement Labour's manifesto.

Coun Reade said today that the fact there was a leadership challenge within Burnley Council's ruling Labour group was an indication of a healthy democracy within the party.

She added: "Naturally, I am very pleased at the result. It is better to have been challenged and won rather than for no-one to come forward. "It is a sign of a healthy group.''

She was challenged for the leadership by her deputy, Coun Stuart Caddy, a Post Office union official in what is thought to have been a struggle for power rather than clash over policy.

It is understood Coun Caddy received solid support and that the result was close.

All involved denied any split within the group which increased its majority on the council at the elections.

Coun Caddy was previously deputy leader and group chairman.

New deputy leader is Paul Smith and new chairman is Pat Bennett who was re-elected to the council after a year's absence.

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