Leader of district council David Parkinson resigns
EAST Hampshire District Council's leader has resigned.
Cllr David Parkinson stood down from his post on Tuesday.
He had served as leader for almost 11 months, since taking over from the previous incumbent Cllr Ferris Cowper in October 2009.
Deputy leader Cllr Patrick Burridge takes over as acting leader immediately.
Cllr Parkinson will continue in his role as district councillor for East Meon, which includes Buriton and Langrish.
He 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."
Cllr Burridge paid tribute to his colleague.
He said: "Cllr 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."
Sandy Hopkins, shared Chief Executive of East Hampshire and Havant Councils, added: "I am sorry that Cllr Parkinson has decided to step down as leader.
"He welcomed me very warmly when I started at East Hampshire last year, and I have very much enjoyed working with him to deliver an exciting agenda over the last eleven months.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Cllr Burridge, the cabinet team and all our councillors as we maintain our focus on delivering our services and corporate strategy in the months ahead."
The Conservative group of councillors at EHDC are due to meet on Thursday, September 23 to decide who should be party leader.
The candidate will then be proposed as council leader during the full council meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13.
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Weather for Bognor
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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