The Conservative leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Councillor Andrew Finney, has resigned.
The announcement at a meeting of the full council shocked the chamber yesterday (December 15), with close colleagues saying they had no idea of his plans to step down.
Deputy council leader Cllr Clive Sanders is to take over the role until the council elects a new leader in February next year.
In a statement, he said that recent debates questioning the majority Conservative party’s integrity had forced him to step down.
“As a councillor, cabinet member, and leader, I have dedicated myself to the service of our community and promoting the best interests of our borough,” he said. “I have never acted out of self interest or sought to score cheap political points.
“There has however been a steady decline in the standard of debate in this chamber with increased questioning of the personal integrity of members. What is however far worse is the constant criticism of our professional officer team whose dedication and acceptance of change have delivered great benefits to our community.”
The Conservative administration has been heavily criticised throughout building the Local Development Framework, which determines how many houses should be built, and where they should go.
Repeated calls by opposition councillors and campaign groups to reconsider Manydown has led to accusations of conflict of interest against leading councillors.
At full council, where Manydown and the LDF was being discussed further, Cllr Finney said: “There are no easy answers but there should be well informed debate and respect for the views of others.
“[It is] my sincere hope is that members on all sides will step back and find a way to work together using constructive argument and criticism rather than the opposite.”
Cllr Finney first joined the council in 2004, representing Winklebury. He rose to leader in 2008, replacing Cllr John Leek. Praising his cabinet colleague, Cllr Sanders said his resignation was “a great pity”.
“I think Andrew has done an awful lot of good for the borough over the last few years as council leader. He’s been absolutely instrumental in getting the LEP [Local Enterprise Partnership] underway,” he said.
“He’s seen the start and completion of a number of really important projects in the borough - for instance the buying and refurbishment of The Malls and initiatives being taken at Basing View.
“He’s led the team extremely effectively and it is going to be a great loss we won’t have that senior leadership.”
Cllr Finney will remain on the seven-strong cabinet until the February election, and as ward councillor for Oakley and North Waltham.
