Warm send off for Wolverhampton Tory leader at last council meeting

Neville Patten said it had been a 'great pleasure' to serve the city, as colleagues paid tribute to his 27-year career in local politics.

The 73-year-old led the local authority from 2008 to 2010 when it was run by the Tories in an alliance with the Liberal Democrats.

He will not contest his seat in Bushbury North ward at the election later this month.

Councillor Patten announced his retirement in February this year and said he had decided he was too old to carry on and serve another four year term.

At a meeting of Wolverhampton City Council last night (WED), Councillor Patten, who was first elected to the authority in 1987, was praised by his contemporaries.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Milkinder Jaspal told the meeting: "He has given a lot to the community and the council and I would like to record my thanks and that of the council while wishing him a happy retirement."

Council leader Councillor Roger Lawrence added his thanks from the city's Labour group.

"The leaders of the council and the opposition frequently have to work with each other for the good of the city," he said.

"Neville has always been an easy person to work with and has clearly got the interests of the city at heart.

"He goes with the heartfelt thanks of all the Labour group."

Councillor Patten told the meeting: "It has been a pleasure to serve the city.

"One of the greatest privileges I had was to be the leader of our great council."

The Wolverhampton Conservative group will select a new leader after the election, which takes place on May 22.

The count will be held the following day.

Speaking to the Express and Star following the announcement of his decision to retire, Councillor Patten said he was telling his group to 'keep moving forward, keep an eye on the job and do the best they could for Wolverhampton'.