Council leader steps back from duties over illness

Councillor Tudor Evans said he was "looking forward to returning" to his role

A council leader has thanked "incredible" NHS staff after he was taken to hospital.

Plymouth City Council said Labour group leader Tudor Evans had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness and he would require "a period of rest" before a follow-up procedure later this month.

It said deputy leader Jemima Laing would carry out his responsibilities during his absence.

Evans said he was "looking forward to returning" to his role but added he was in "good hands and focusing on getting better".

"I want to thank the incredible NHS staff who have been looking after me with such professionalism and kindness," he said.

"I'm very grateful for all the support I've received and I'm looking forward to returning once I'm fully recovered."

Evans has been a councillor for Ham ward of Plymouth since 1988 and has led the Labour group on the city council since 1998.

In May 2023 he was made leader of the council after his party won control from the Conservatives during the local elections.