Leader of East Hampshire District Council steps down

Councillor David Parkinson has resigned as leader of East Hampshire District Council.

Deputy Leader Councillor Patrick Burridge takes over as acting leader immediately.

Councillor Parkinson will continue as district councillor for East Meon (including Buriton and Langrish parishes).

Councillor Parkinson said:
"I have felt privileged to serve on the Cabinet and then as Council Leader. My personal and business interests are increasingly competing with my council duties, and so I have decided to step down rather than compromise any of my responsibilities. I wish my successor all the best in fulfilling such an important role at such a challenging time for local government, and I would like to thank my fellow councillors and council staff for their support over the last few years."

Councillor Burridge added: "Councillor Parkinson has led us through a challenging year. He has steered us admirably into our partnership with Havant Borough Council, which has already started to deliver savings and which will enable us to preserve the quality of frontline services. Our commitment to this partnership remains as firm as ever. We shall miss him and we wish him well in the future."

The Conservative Group of councillors will meet on 23 September to decide who should be party leader, who will then be proposed as council leader to the full council meeting on 13 October.