Stewart Young has confirmed that he has been nominated to lead Cumbria County Council for another four years.

Mr Young, a Labour councillor for Carlisle's Upperby division, has been the authority's leader since 2013.

During that time, Labour had controlled the council in a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, with no party having an overall majority.

Following May's local elections, the Conservatives emerged as the party with the most seats – 37, with Labour holding 26 seats and the Liberal Democrats 16.

These two parties have now reached an agreement to form another coalition, with Lib Dem leader Ian Stewart nominated to stand as deputy leader.

Councillors will vote at Cumbria County Council's annual general meeting next Thursday.

Mr Young told The Cumberland News: “I have been nominated by the Labour group.

"We have also reached an agreement with the Liberal Democrats in that they will support me.”

It would mean that Mr Young would have exactly half – 42 out of 84 – of the votes needed to be elected leader.

“We're reliant on some of the independent councillors voting for me as well,” he said.

“We also agreed that Ian [Stewart] will get our votes as deputy leader.”

Mr Young added that he was hopeful of being re-elected and is looking forward to the next four years.

He said: “The Liberal Democrats have come to an agreement with us, which is something we're happy about.

"They could've gone with the Conservatives. We will have to see what happens during the vote, though.”