Amble's stalwart representative on the new unitary council, Robert Arckless, said he was shocked by the bloodbath last Thursday, which saw his party lose more than half of its seats.

He's now one of just 17 Labour councillors left on the unitary, behind the newly-formed Conservative-Independent alliance, which holds 19 seats, and the ruling Liberal Democrats, who have 26.

Reflecting on the election results, Coun Arckless - who has served at parish, district and county level for quarter of a century - described the event as "extraordinary'.

He remains as Chairman of the county until May 21, when his successor will be named.

"For the first time since 1981, Labour is not the largest party in Northumberland," he said. "Indeed, Labour's decline was dramatic.

"Some very senior figures will not serve on the new authority, including the entire outgoing Executive, the former Leader of the opposition, and three out of four Scrutiny chairs.

"Elections can be humbling experiences. As a member of the Labour Party since I was 18 I feel very sad to see the decline of my group.

"Many good councillors of all parties lost their seats, but as a democrat I have to accept the verdict of the electorate."

While Coun Arckless believes Labour suffered badly because of national trends, he also accepts that some of their county wounds were self-inflicted.

"I accept that there is a perception that Labour does not have an affinity with rural areas," he said. "I would dispute that and am proud of what we have done to protect rural services.

"But in politics perception is often more important than reality.

"Many rejected the new unitary and feel it has been imposed against their wishes.

"My own view is that we have a duty to make the council work and we will not be forgiven if we waste our time scoring cheap political points.

"The county council has worked on a broad basis of consensus in the past and I see no reason why that should not continue.

"There will be a new administration and they deserve the opportunity to put forward their proposals."

Coun Arckless also says the turnout in Amble - only 28 per cent - was disappointing, compared to between 50 and 60 per cent in many other rural areas.

"I think that reflects a degree of disillusionment with Labour and the whole political process," he admitted. "It will be a real challenge to change that.

"I was, though, very touched that even in the worst of circumstances those who voted gave me support. I have enjoyed far more emphatic victories in much happier circumstances, but I feel very grateful to have been given the chance to continue my work.

"I know we face challenging times.

"I will do my best and look forward to working with Amble Town Council and Hauxley and Togston parish councils in the future."

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