Forest of Dean council leader stands down

The leader of Forest of Dean District Council has announced his resignation.

In a short online statement, Councillor Mark Topping said it had been a "real honour to serve the district", but was standing down due to "family and work commitments".

He was first elected to the council in 2019, representing the Green Party.

The council says his last day in the role will be 18 April, when a new leader will be voted in.

Working as an actor, Councillor Topping has recently appeared in films such as 2023's Wrath of Dracula and formerly worked as a local journalist in newspapers and radio.

While he will be standing down as council leader, he will remain on the council as a Green representative.

'A real honour'

Announcing his resignation he said: "After careful consideration it is with considerable regret that I make this announcement. It has been a real honour to serve the district in this way since May last year.

“However, both family and work commitments mean that I am not able to continue giving the role the time and commitment it needs.

“I will remain an active councillor representing my ward of Lydney West & Aylburton and an active member of the Green Group.

"I will continue to work with colleagues across the council as we all endeavour to serve the best interests of residents and the district as a whole.

“I have had fantastic support from both officers and members during my time as leader, for which I am deeply grateful and it has been a pleasure to work with colleagues across the council.”