TRIBUTES have been paid to the long-standing chairman of Northumberland County Council’s standards committee after a replacement for the position was finally identified.

Joe Jackson chaired his final meeting of the committee on Thursday, having served more than 11 years and three terms in the position of independent chairman.

His replacement has not yet been publicly announced, but a three-councillor panel has identified a suitable successor after initially receiving a “disappointing response” to the initial advertisement.

Mr Jackson was appointed in September 2013. His final tenure was due to expire in January, but he agreed to stay on for another year until a replacement was found. The new appointment will need to be approved by full council, but there are unlikely to be any issues.

Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, Mr Jackson said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed being the chairman of this committee.

"I have worked with an awful lot of members, all of whom have contributed strongly to make the job of chairman particularly gratifying.

“The panel here comes in to work as a unit. In a lot committees, the politics reigns. In this committee, I have found that is not the case and you should be commended for that.”

Mr Jackson also thanked the council’s legal staff for their guidance over the years. The chairman served during a difficult time for the council that saw frequent complaints against councillors from both officers and other members, culminating in the Max Caller review on governance.

A report presented at the same meeting showed that significant improvements in that regard had been made in the last two years.

Coun Barry Flux, the vice-chairman of the committee, said: “I would like to pass on all of our gratitude. I think you have done an excellent job. You go with our best wishes. Thank you very, very much.”