CONFUSION today surrounded the position of Rossendale Council leader Peter Steen after he announced he was stepping down from his post -- but then appeared to have a last-minute change of heart.

The Conservative group issued a press release early today stating that Coun Steen was quitting his leadership post because his work load was becoming too heavy.

But just an hour later Conservative group members contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph claiming Coun Steen had reversed his decision.

Councillor Steen earlier denied the move was a result of union members at Rossendale Council passing a vote of 'no confidence' in the council leader and directors of services.

In a statement released by Councillor Steen earlier today he said: "It is with great sadness and reluctance that I have decided to step down from my role as leader.

"Being leader of the council is demanding, both in terms of time and commitment, and I do not believe in doing a job if you can't give it your full attention."

The Conservative group also said earlier today that they had reluctantly accepted councillor Steen's decision.

A spokesman for the group added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter

for his unstinting hard work over seven years as a councillor, deputy leader and most recently leader."

But at 10am today the Conservative group retracted its statement.

Coun Steen took over as leader of the council at this year's local elections from Labour councillor David Hancock.

Chief executive Owen Williams was today unavailable for comment.