Cllr Neil Payne to step down as Leader

Cllr Neil Payne has announced his decision to step down as the Leader of the Conservative Group at Hertsmere Borough Council.

He will formally step down at the group's AGM on 18 September and a new leader of the group - and therefore Leader of the Council - will be formally nominated at the full council meeting on 20 September.

Cllr Payne, who will remain a councillor representing Aldenham West ward, said: "Now that I have completed five years as leader of the Council I think the time is right for me to step down. I have thoroughly enjoyed the role and the challenges it has brought, but I am now looking forward to spending more time with my wife, and also on some of my interests, particularly as chairman of the national charity The Brain Research Trust, which supports research at the Institue of neurology in Queens Square."

Eden Lee, Chief Executive, said: "Neil will be a hard act to follow. He has been a truly committed Leader and is held in high regard across the Hertsmere community.

"He has played an active role in the many partnerships in which Hertsmere is a part and for this he is widely respected. I would like to thank him for helping to raise the profile of the Council, locally and nationally, and for helping to steer improvements here at Hertsmere.