A VETERAN councillor whose has kept Burnley town hall’s finances under the microscope for 12 years is set to step down.

Coun Peter Doyle, the Conservative group leader, has confirmed he will not be seeking re-election in May’s borough polls.

The Whittlefield with Ightenhill councillor has served on the authority since 2000, and made the announcement during the budget council meeting.

Coun Doyle, who used to work in insurance, has earned a reputation for scrutinising the council’s accounts during his tenure.

He said: “I retired from work on December 31, 1999, and then went onto the council the following May. I decided enough was enough so I’m calling it a day.

"I’m going to be spending more time travelling and I’m sure my wife will have a number of jobs for me to do.”

Coun Doyle was finance cabinet member for two years when the Liberal Democrats formed a coalition with the Conservatives from 2007.