A veteran politician has announced his decision to stand down as leader of Stockport Council, nearly half a century after his first election victory.
Liberal Democrat Mark Hunter said he would remain at the helm until his local party’s annual general meeting in May.
As a 22-year-old, Hunter was first elected as a councillor in Tameside in 1980. He went on to become MP for Cheadle in 2005 and represented the constituency for a decade.
He said he would continue to serve as a ward councillor in Cheadle Hulme South after he steps down as leader.
Hunter said: “Serving the people of Stockport has been a great privilege. After careful consideration, I have decided that this is the right time for me to pass on responsibility for leading the council to the next generation.
“I would like to thank colleagues across the council past and present, partners and councillors from all parties who work tirelessly to ensure our borough has such a well-run local authority.”
A new council leader will be agreed at the local authority’s annual meeting in May.
