A town council looks set to over turn a controversial decision to spend thousands of pounds on civic regalia for the deputy mayor and their partner.
Blyth Town Council agreed at a meeting last week to spend £15,000 on chains of office for the council's second in command - a move which drew significant criticism from opposition councillors and the local MP.
Conservative and Lib Dem councillors voted against the proposal along with two Labour councillors - but the rest of the Labour-led council waved the spending through.
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Local MP Ian Levy called on the council to reconsider the decision, particularly in the backdrop of a cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine. The Conservative MP said he was "appalled" by the decision.
The Northumberland Conservative Party also criticised the plans. A spokesman said local residents had contacted the party to voice their displeasure.
Now, the mayor of Blyth, Coun Warren Taylor, has confirmed the council will look at the proposals again.
Coun Taylor said: "We are a proud Town steeped in history and tradition and our decision was made in good faith. However, we have listened to public opinion and concerns and I feel that as Mayor of Blyth Town Council that the whole situation should now be re-examined."
It had previously been pointed out that the council has done without the chains of office for the deputy mayor for the last 13 years.
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