Tributes to longest-serving City of Lincoln Council leader ahead of retirement

Ric Metcalfe, 81, was first elected as a councillor for Lincoln in 1982

Tributes have been paid to the City of Lincoln Council's leader Ric Metcalfe, ahead of his retirement in May.

The Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Biff Bean, thanked the 81-year-old "on behalf of the people of Lincoln".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Mr Metcalfe, who represents Glebe ward, has served for 42 years.

Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors also shared their well wishes.

Conservative councillor Tom Dyer said: "I was trying to work out when you became Labour leader, and it was three years after I was born.

"I daren't ask how many Tory leaders you've seen off in that time."

Councillors from all parties paid tribute to the outgoing leader

Labour's Pat Vaughan broke down in tears as he shared memories of his "wonderful friend".

In response to the tributes, Mr Metcalfe offered his thanks to everyone in the chamber for their "very kind and generous comments".

He stressed the need for "common cause for the common good" when discussing how local government works and also paid tribute to his fellow councillors.

Cllr Metcalfe's parting message to councillors was clear: "Be proud of what you do, keep on doing it, and keep on doing it well."