North Hertfordshire District Council is set to be run by a joint Labour and Liberal Democrat administration, after a new agreement has been reached between the two parties.

Labour group leader Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg will be the joint administration's nominee for leader of the council, with Liberal Democrats group leader Paul Clark nominee for deputy leader.

The agreement was signed by the leaders of the two groups today, Monday, with the document including a policy framework for the new administration, as well as protocols for working arrangements between the groups.

New council leader Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg said: "I'm pleased we've been able to agree a revived and energetic progressive partnership and look forward to working with Paul to deliver our joint vision for North Hertfordshire."

The move comes after previous NHDC leader, Martin Stears-Handscomb, lost his seat against Conservative group leader David Levett for Letchworth South East during May's local elections.

Following the polling on Thursday, May 6, NHDC now has 23 Conservative seats, 15 Labour and Cooperative seats and 11 Liberal Democrat seats.

Councillor Paul Clark, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to come to such a positive agreement for the future of North Hertfordshire.

"As Liberal Democrats we always put the community first and this agreement will allow us to do that and deliver some really great projects, to deliver a greener and fairer North Hertfordshire."

The NHDC joint administration will be rubber stamped on Wednesday at a full meeting of the council.