ASTRAGATE: Woods to quit over car saga
The leader of Northampton Borough Council has announced his intention to resign "for the good of the town".
Councillor Tony Woods' (Lib Dem, St David's) move, which he announced in a statement to the Chron last night, came only 24 hours after he was dragged over the coals during an eight-hour hearing at the Guildhall on Tuesday over the "Astragate" affair.
It revolved around his decision to leave his untaxed Vauxhall Astra in the Guildhall's town centre car park for more than three months, despite repeated calls to move it.
In the statement, he said: "I am deeply sorry my car has diverted attention from all the good things happening in Northampton in recent months.
"I am therefore resigning as leader of the council for the good of the town and the sake of renewed civic leadership."
During Tuesday's hearing, he was ordered to write a letter to all members of the council apologising or face a month's suspension from the authority, and in last night's statement he confirmed he would now follow the committee's recommendation.
His decision was welcomed by the leader of the opposition, Councillor David Palethorpe (Con, Billing) but he criticised Councillor Woods' decision not to stand down until October 26.
He said: "Astragate has been a long-running distraction from the serious issues facing Northampton and Tony Woods's behaviour has undermined this council at a time when public confidence in politics is at an all-time low.
"He is right to resign but should put his own ego aside and go immediately so we can all focus on managing this authority through a time of economic recession and providing the services the people of Northampton deserve."
He was backed by the leader of the Labour group at the authority, Councillor Keith Davies (Lab, Ecton Brook).
He said: "What happened was totally of his own making, I don't have any sympathy for him. I felt embarrassed as a councillor for his attitude towards the committee at the hearing, which I felt was appalling. He's brought this entire thing on himself."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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