Council leader standing down over health fears

A council leader has stood down after heading his political group for more than 25 years.

Liberal Democrat councillor David Bill handed the reins of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to his deputy, Councillor Stuart Bray, in late October, after suffering from high blood pressure.

Now he says that after taking doctors' advice, he has decided to hand over the leadership permanently.

He said it had been a great honour to serve and he thanked everyone for their support and kind wishes.

"I will, of course, continue to play an active role as a member of both the county and borough councils and will do my best to continue to serve the people of the area," he added.

He will now serve as Mr Bray's deputy.

Mr Bray was unanimously elected Liberal Democrat group leader at a party meeting at the weekend and is expected to become council leader on December 15.

He said: "I am honoured that my group has chosen me as its new leader. David will certainly be a hard act to follow.

"Under his leadership the council has moved on leaps and bounds. This has been demonstrated by the 'excellent' rating the council achieved last year from the Audit Commission.

"I hope to build on the successes of the past few years, continue to take the council forward, and see through many of the exciting projects, such as the Hinckley bus station redevelopment and the Hinckley Club for Young People, that are underway."

Mr Bill has served on the borough council since 1981 and the county council 1973.

He became the council leader when the Liberal Democrats took control in 1995 and has stayed as group leader ever since, both in and out of power.

In 1999, the council became hung, and the Liberal Democrats formed a pact with Labour to outweigh Conservative voting power.

In 2003, the council returned to Conservative control and then, in 2007, went back to the Lib Dems.

On hearing that Mr Bill had stood down, Conservative group leader Councillor Reg Ward said: "I wish him well. Obviously from his point of view it is a sensible decision – health first – but he will find it difficult to let go.

"Stuart has been parachuted into the role in effect, so we will see how things go. David Bill is an experienced politician and has used his experience well in the past. Stuart will find him a difficult act to follow."

Councillor Matthew Lay, leader of the two-man Labour group, said: "Obviously, I think David has made the right decision, you have to put your health first, and I wish him well. I always thought he genuinely wanted the best for people. I wish Stuart well as the new leader."