South Norfolk Council leader stepping down after life peerage

South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller said he was honoured to receive the recognition

A Conservative has said he will resign as council leader after being made a life peer.

John Fuller said he would stand down from his role at South Norfolk Council in May.

Lord Fuller, Norfolk's longest-serving council leader, was made a peer earlier this year after being nominated by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

A council spokesman said Lord Fuller, who represents Brooke near Norwich, would remain a member of the council.

"I've devoted 20 years of my life to public service here, but the leader is an important role and needs someone who has the time to focus and dedicate themselves to it," said Lord Fuller.

"It has been the honour of my life to serve locally, but I will be standing down from my leadership role."

He added: "I will pass the baton and wish whoever takes it on the greatest success."

'Champion'

Lord Fuller, who has led the council since 2007, was elevated to the House of Lords earlier this month.

He said the nomination had "reaffirmed his commitment to public service", as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Lord Fuller, who said he would "continue to champion" the "needs of our county", was one of 13 new peers announced earlier this month.

The group included Conservative James Jamieson, former leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, and former Wycombe MP Paul Goodman, the editor of news site Conservative Home.