VETERAN Oswaldtwistle councillor Peter Britcliffe has stepped down as leader of the Conservative party in Hyndburn.

The 65-year-old said he would not be seeking re-election at the group’s annual meeting, yesterday.

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Tributes have been paid to the former council leader from across the political spectrum as the Tories prepare to announce his successor.

Cllr Britcliffe said: “I have enjoyed my time as party leader tremendously but I feel it’s time to hand over the reigns and let someone else have a go.

“While I have no intention of retiring, I have a lot of positive things going on in my life with my family and the cafe I run in Accrington Market Hall, and I think now is the time to make more space for these.”

Cllr Britcliffe said he still plans to serve his constituents as both a district and county councillor, and said there were a “number of excellent candidates who could fill the role”.

He added: “This is obviously a sad time for me in some respects, but it’s also an exciting time when I can think about my priorities and make the most of what life has to offer.”

Hyndburn Council leader and Cllr Britcliffe’s Labour counterpart Miles Parkinson said life on the council “just won’t be the same”.

The former firefighter said: “We may not agree on policies but Peter’s beliefs are what he believes would be best for the borough.

“I wish him well because through all the disagreements he has committed 23 years, which is great.”

Deputy mayor and Conservative councillor Marlene Howarth said: “Peter has been a major figure in the party for over 20 years and he will definitely be a hard act to follow.

“During his time as leader we achieved a huge amount, steadying the council’s finances, undertaking major regeneration projects and securing an ‘excellent’ rating from the Audit Commission for the quality and efficiency of our services.

Cllr Britcliffe was the Conservative candidate for Hyndburn in the 1997 and 2001 elections, losing out both times to Labour’s Greg Pope.