THE leader of Wiltshire Council is to stand down - should he be re-elected to his seat.

Councillor Philip Whitehead has represented Urchfont and The Cannings since 2013, and has been leader of Wiltshire Council since July 2019.

In an email seen by the Journal sent within the Conservative group, cllr Whitehead says he will not seek or accept a nomination for leader at the group meeting on Tuesday.

He said: "I wanted this to clearly be a constructive decision and not one related to results, which I expect to be good anyway", adding: "A personal thanks to my cabinet and all of the conservative councillors who have supported me brilliantly over the last eight years."

Return to back benches

Cllr Whitehead says he now plans to return to the back benches.

He also adds that he is fully recovered from his recent replacement.

The email concludes: "I look forward to seeing you all on the benches where I will be giving 100 per cent support to whoever is elected Leader of our group and thus becomes leader of the council".

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