Leader of council to step down

Terry Dix, leader of Staffordshire County Council, is stepping down from his position more than 10 years after being elected as head of the authority.

The leader, who has suffered from cancer in the past and undergone major surgery, announced after his last victory in 2005 that he would not serve the full term - even joking that Tony Blair had followed his lead.

Councillor Dix, who is Labour member for Watling North in Tamworth said: "This week I am announcing I am to stand down after over 10 busy, enjoyable years as leader of Staffordshire County Council.

"I will officially leave office in mid-May, but will remain a county councillor and will not be short of things to keep me busy. I first joined this authority in 1981, so I've been proud to serve Staffordshire for over a quarter of a century."Councillor Dix was deputy leader from 1985 to1996 when he was elected leader and also served as chairman of highways and transportation, social services and has been a member of the Police Authority and the Combined Fire Authority.

He said: "I have seen many changes at the county council and very many councillors and officers come and go. Throughout I have enjoyed extremely good working relations with all and I would like to place on record my appreciation for their help and support.'

The Labour group has not yet announced who will be standing for election as new leader, although current deputy leader John Taylor, is expected to be a favourite.