Rhodes is elected as leader of the council

Nottinghamshire County Council Election Count for the Bassetlaw area at North Notts Arena in Worksop. Alan Rhodes, Labour, won Worksop North East and Carlton G130503-1w

Coun Alan Rhodes was officially elected as leader of Notts County Council on Friday and vowed to deliver on the party’s election promises.

The Labour leader was delighted with the public’s vote of confidence in the party and winning 18 seats - taking their total to 34 on the authority.

“We came back in the 2009 elections with just 13 members and now we are up to 34, which is a terrific result,” he said.

“We fought a strong campaign and gave people a very positive offer on their doorstep which chimes with their expectations.”

“We have got some very difficult decisions to make in a tough financial climate, but people have realised Labour is the best party to deliver services.”

Coun Rhodes said jobs, skills and training are top of the agenda in a drive to attract more inward investment to the county.

“Youth employment is a major challenge and it’s only right that the county council leads the way to address that,” he said.

Coun Rhodes also pledged to improve children’s centres and youth services, modernise libraries and put a 20mph speed limit outside the county’s schools.

“We also want to build extra care homes for the elderly,” he said. “Many people need that extra support, and we want to allowthem to maintain their independence for as long as possible.”

Coun Rhodes said Labour would not repeat the mistakes of the previous Tory administration.

“They just stopped listening to people and started to believe their own publicity,” he said.

“They also made some ridiculous decisions with people’s money, such as the £1m for Notts County Cricket Club.”

He added: “We are here because people have put their trust in us.”

“When the Tories took over in 2009, we had been in power for 28 years. I think people thought we were out of ideas and it was time for a change.”

“The fact remains, however, that we were rated the 4* excellent rated authority in the country country, delivering fantastic social care to older people and vulnerable adults and that’s something to be proud of.”