Telford and Wrekin Council's leader Kuldip Sahota to stand down

Kuldip Sahota's replacement will be elected next month

The leader of Telford and Wrekin Council has announced he is to step down next month.

Kuldip Sahota, who has led the Labour-led authority since 2011, said it is the right time to hand over to a new leader amid a "challenging climate".

He said the council had achieved a lot with the town's Southwater shopping development and helping secure a £90m army logistics base in Donnington.

A new leader will be elected on 26 May. Mr Sahota will remain as a councillor.

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He said: "The last five years has seen this council achieve an incredible amount against a backdrop of the deepest cuts to council budgets ever and the probably the toughest financial outlook this council has ever faced.

"I joined this council aged 50 and next month I mark my 65th birthday.

"I feel it is the right time to hand the reins on to a new leader who can continue to move this council forward in a very challenging climate."

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota has announced he is to step down from his position next month.

Councillor Sahota has been leader of the Council since May 2011 and will resign from the position prior to Telford & Wrekin's Annual General Meeting on 23 May when the Council will elect a new leader.