Flintshire councillors elect Ian Roberts as new leader

Ian Roberts was unanimously backed by Labour colleagues to take over from Aaron Shotton

The new leader of Flintshire County Council has urged members to focus on services and restore public trust.

Councillors have confirmed Labour's choice of Ian Roberts as successor to Aaron Shotton, who quit last week.

Mr Shotton resigned following a bitter row within the Labour group over his sacking of deputy leader Bernie Attridge for breaches of confidence.

Mr Roberts, who had been cabinet member for education, said the authority had a "lot to be proud of".

He pointed to the success of Theatr Cymru in winning an Olivier award, but urged members across the chamber to ensure "the best council possible".

The new leader has represented Flint since the 1980s, originally as a town councillor, before he was elected to the former Delyn Borough Council in 1992.

He then became part of the newly-formed Flintshire County Council in 1995, serving as a Labour councillor ever since.

Mr Roberts will serve as leader at least until the authority's AGM in May, when it will elect its leader for the coming year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Aaron Shotton (left) had sacked Bernie Attridge accusing him of breaches of confidence

Meanwhile, the council's chief executive Colin Everett has asked members to help him identify the writer of an anonymous letter which made allegations about the manner of his appointment in 2007.

The letter included reference to the recent row between Mr Shotton and Mr Attridge and comes after a 10-year-old recording of the men making a number of allegations was handed to police.

North Wales Police said it investigated claims of misconduct, but there was "not enough evidence to proceed".

In a note to councillors, Mr Everett said: "The wide circulation of a letter of this type has caused untold damage to those to whom it refers.

"We have spent much of this week offering support and counselling to the officers referred to.

"I can give you a firm assurance that any allegations, where there is legitimate cause for concern, have already been investigated and found to be without substance."

Mr Shotton said he was "pleased" the council was looking into the matter and urged anyone with information about the source to come forward.

Mr Attridge has been asked to comment.