The Horsley Hill councillor was second in command to Paul Waggott, who lost his Fellgate and Hedworth seat during the local elections on May 1.

Now he's set to take up the high-profile role as the most senior member of the council.

Monkton councillor Alan Kerr is poised to become the new deputy leader, while Beacon and Bents councillor John Anglin is expected to become Deputy Mayor.

Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Tracey Dixon, who hands over her chains to her deputy Coun Alex Donaldson today, is set for a cabinet post.

Simonside and Rekendyke councillor Ed Malcolm is pencilled in for a place in the cabinet.

Cleadon and East Boldon Conservative David Potts is set to become vice-chairman of the appeals committee, while Whiteleas Labour representative Ernest Gibson will chair the children and young people's scrutiny committee.

Cleadon Park Real Independent George Elsom, will be vice-chairman of the pensions committee, while Cleadon and East Boldon Conservative Jeff Milburn will become chairman of the audit committee.

Selected members of the Progressives have been given roles on outside bodies.

The full raft of proposals are set to be ratified at the full council meeting this afternoon, at South Shields Town Hall.