Retiring council chairman Eddie Murphy and his successor, Betty Todd

PARTY feuding was set aside for a few minutes as councillors paid tribute to their retiring chairman, who faced controversy during his final few weeks.

Eddie Murphy, from Crook, spent the past two years as the public face of Wear Valley, attending official functions in the district and throughout the region. He won a seat on the new County Durham unitary council after resigning from Labour because he objected to women nominees being given preference.

When he stepped down last week, handing over to Liberal Democrat Betty Todd, his former leader Neil Stonehouse was first to thank him for his efforts, describing him as an excellent chairman and ambassador for the district.

Councillor Todd said she will raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance during the year.

12:16pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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