Council leader resigns 'for good of the town'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Oct 2009

Lib Dem Council Leader Tony Woods has announced his resignation as the leader of Northampton Borough Council. In his statement he has said:

"I have said 'sorry' publicly and privately for leaving my car in my space for three months.

"It was a time of considerable pressure, balancing the Council's books in the teeth of the recession, and I let my personal affairs slip.

"I have accepted the committee's decision and apologised in the way they asked.

"I am deeply sorry that my car has diverted attention from all the good things happening in Northampton in recent months.

"I am therefore resigning as Leader of the Council for the good of the town and the sake of renewed civic leadership.

"I would like to thank councillors and members of the public for their support over the last two and a half years.

"I hope people will acknowledge that I have fought hard for Northampton and that positive changes have, and are being, made.

"I sincerely hope to make a meaningful contribution to civic life in the years ahead.

"I will remain in post until the next Council meeting on Monday 26th October.

This gives me the opportunity of chairing a hugely important Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 14th October.

"Liberal Democrat councillors and I will continue to put the best interests of the town first. I am confident that my successor will have their full support."