A well-loved councillor has announced she will step down in May to spend more time caring for her husband.
Mary Brian, Labour ward councillor for Popley East, is to bring her 16 years on the council to an end.
The 75-year-old said the move will let her become a full time carer for her partner Frank, 75, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease.
She said: “I have worked hard but I just can’t go on any longer without letting people down.”
A by-election will be held in Popley to find a replacement for the remainder of the year, until scheduled elections in May 2012.
She was first elected to the council in 1980, representing Norden for 11 years. She came back in 2006 to represent Popley East.
Mrs Brian, who moved to Basingstoke in 1953, said local politics has been important to her for a long time.
She said: “I have been involved in politics for a long time, it is in my blood. It is very much part of my life.
“I saw the difference that being on the council can make and the importance it can be for peoples lives. I wanted to be a part of that.”
But Mrs Brian will remain part of the political scene through her daughter, Labour group leader and Norden councillor, Laura James.
Mrs Brian has been part of political dynasty in Basingstoke, as her father Tom Baptist was the town mayor from 1964 to 1965.
Councillor James said: “My father said, and in our eyes was right, that every one should give something back to the community and this is our way doing it.”
Reflecting on her time on the council, Mrs Brian said working for the community was the highlight of the job.
She said: “I have really enjoyed meeting so many people and there have been some wonderful characters throughout the years.
“I want to thank them for all their support and the fun they have given me, and the interest to have kept me doing this.”
