THOUSANDS of new jobs will be the continuing legacy of Councillor Andrew Finney’s spell as leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, his party colleagues said.

Cllr Finney has played a major role in the regeneration of Basing View – a move that it is hoped will create 5,000 jobs over the next decade.

After announcing he was resigning as council leader, Cllr Finney was praised from all sides of the council chamber.

Conservative group leader Cllr Robert Donnell said: “He has led us with huge success and skill through these difficult economic times. The Local Economic Partnership and regeneration of Basing View, which will both bring thousands of jobs, will stand as a testament to his work. It is a huge, huge shame that he has felt it necessary to stand down.”

Cllr Gavin James, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “As much as I disagreed with him on a regular basis, he seemed very genuine in wanting to serve the people of Basingstoke and Deane. He was always polite, approachable and considerate, and it is a sad loss because there is no one quite so talented on the Conservative benches.”

Cllr Ian Tilbury, independent forum coordinator, added: “He has always tried to reach out to the other groups, and certainly myself, but the trouble is he has been undermined by his own party. They just aren’t interested in working with other people. I will be sad to see him go.”

Cllr Laura James, leader of the Labour group, said Cllr Finney’s final meeting came at a time when the council was facing the prospect of legal challenges – from the pressure group SOLVE (Save our Loddon Valley Environment) and the Manydown Company – over its intention not to develop the 820- hectare Manydown land, to the west of Basingstoke. Cllr James added: “The Conservatives have never liked being challenged over their decisions, but healthy democracy needs robust accountability. It would be wrong for Andrew to be remembered just for those legal challenges, because he did represent the borough well.”