LEADER OF RESTORMEL COUNCIL TO STAND DOWN

10.46.56am GMT Thu 13th Dec 2007

Cllr Tim Jones

Cllr Tim Jones, the Leader of Restormel Council, has announced he will stand down as Leader of the Council in January 2008 to pursue his academic career.

Cllr Jones is currently writing his thesis as part of his PhD studies and expects this work to take up an increasing amount of his time over the next few months.

Cllr Tim Jones, who represents the Mount Charles ward of St Austell, will remain on the Council. He has been Leader of Restormel since May 2006.

Tim said "I feel the issues that matter to the people of Restormel are far too important to be looked after by a part-time Leader, and so, reluctantly, I feel I must stand down while I complete this work."

Stephen Gilbert, the Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the new St Austell & Newquay parliamentary seat, paid tribute to Cllr's Jones work over the last year.

Stephen Gilbert said: "I'd like to thank Tim for his contribution as Leader of Restormel over the last 18months. In particular, I'd like to recognise his work on affordable housing and obtaining premises for both the local Citizen's Advice Bureau and Credit Union. I hope that after his PhD is finished, he will return to front-line politics."

Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, said "We completely understand Tim's decision to take a step back from running the council to pursue his studies. He's been an excellent Leader of the Council and it's been a pleasure to work with him."

Matthew Taylor, MP for Truro & St Austell, added: "Tim Jones has done enormous work for the communities in Restormel, he deserves our thanks, and best wishes in finishing his PhD."