THE LEADER of Basingstoke and Deane Borough council resigned from his position this morning.

Cllr Ken Rhatigan has confirmed that he has resigned this morning (February 3) from his role as leader of the council.

He told the Gazette: “I have just informed the council officers in the last few hours that I am resigning from my role as leader of the council.

“Now I am getting older there are family issues that I need to focus on and deal with. I think it is more important that a new leader has the time and chance to take over before the elections.

“It has been a big part of my life and this will not stop me being a councillor and looking after my ward and I will be remaining a councillor and will continue to look after my ward.”

Cllr Rhatigan said that Cllr Simon Bound, who is the current deputy leader, will take over in the interim until the council decides who will be taking over permanently.

He added: “I am sure the Conservative Group will put many people forward and I hope that my deputy leader will put himself forward because he has made a great leader behind me and he works very hard.”

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Cllr Rhatigan, who represents Kingsclere, was confirmed as leader of the authority at a full council meeting on May 16 2019, after being elected by the ruling Conservative group.

He replaced Cllr Clive Sanders, who stepped down following seven years as leader.

A spokesperson from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: "Cllr Ken Rhatigan has informed the chief executive that he is resigning as Leader with immediate effect for personal reasons.

"Under the council’s constitution, the deputy leader Cllr Simon Bound will act as leader until the appointment of a new leader at a council meeting."

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