THE leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council celebrated his party's success in the local elections -- and then revealed he was to stand down from the post.

Coun Malcolm Doherty has been leader for the last eight years and cited personal reasons for his departure, which will see him remain as a councillor.

The race is now on to see who will succeed him, with sources within the Labour group tipping Councillors Gail Barton and Bill Taylor, currently his two deputies, as favourites to take over the post.

Coun Doherty said: "For me, it is time for a change.

"I have had a happy eight years as leader, and they have been very successful years.

"I will continue to serve as a councillor but I will not be carrying on as leader. I have done it for personal reasons."

As leader, Coun Doherty guided the council from borough status to become unitary authority.

He added: "I hope I have helped to raise the profile of the borough.

"I will continue to play an active role in the council but I feel it is time for someone else to take charge.

"I believe there are many good things to come for this town and things are looking up but for me, it is time to move on."