JACK Straw’s agent is to stand down after more than 30 years after being appointed to head a new multimillion pound public health body.

Sir Bill Taylor, a former Labour leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said he took the decision to step aside 'with heavy heart' just weeks from the next general election.

He said he wanted to step aside to avoid any possible conflict of interest with his new role as chairman of the 'groundbreaking' new Care Trust Plus body, which merges parts of the council and local NHS body in charge of health and social care.

The new body, which will have a multi-million pound budget and be in charge of 'buying in' services to Blackburn and Darwen, is one of the first of its type in the country.

Bosses claim it will lead to a better, more coherent service for people receiving care by providing a 'single point of contact'.

Sir Bill, who took over as Mr Straw’s agent in 1979, is still chair of the board at Blackburn College.

He also writes a regular blog on the Lancashire Telegraph website.

He said: “It’s been both a privilege and given me a sense of great pride to serve the communities of Blackburn with Darwen for so long.“ Mr Straw’s new agent will be Phil Riley, the secretary of Blackburn Labour Party.