ONE of the council's most hard-line socialists was red in the face this week after it emerged that he had gone against his principles and booked into a plush private hospital.

Deputy Councillor Leader Mike Hughes, elected member for the Fairfield and Howley ward, is recovering after undergoing an operation at the exclusive BUPA North Cheshire Hospital at Stretton.

Set in its own landscaped grounds, the state-of-the-art 40-bed hospital on the outskirts of affluent south Warrington boasts the latest technology for every speciality as well as a fully-equipped gym.

Known as Red Mike because of his strong views, Clr Hughes did not wish to comment about his decision to spurn the NHS and go private.