A deal has been struck in Cumbria between Labour and the Liberal Democrats which will see the county council run by a coalition between the parties.

Following a week of negotiations, Cllr Stewart Young, the Labour group leader, is expected to be named as the authority's new leader at a full council meeting on Thursday (16 May).

Labour will get six cabinet posts, while the Lib Dems will receive four positions including the role of deputy leader, which will go to group leader Jo Stephenson.

Ms Stephenson said: 'This is a fresh start for the people of Cumbria. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to deliver a council that works for the people throughout the county.

'After exhaustive negotiations the Liberal Democrat group looked at proposals from the both Conservative and Labour parties and took the view that the joint agreement with Labour provided the best opportunity to improve the lives of the people of Cumbria.'