THE leader of Hyndburn's defeated Labour Party has stood down less than a week after losing control of the council.

Councillor Ian Ormerod, who suffered a stroke in December, said he was leaving mainly for health reasons.

He will retain his Milnshaw seat on the council and will be succeeded as leader by his deputy, Jean Battle, with Coun David Myles taking the role as deputy.

"There are a number of reasons and one is my health. I have put as much of a brave face on it as possible and I would have carried on if we had retained control for a short while. But it has had an impact on my health," he said.

"It's time to go now. I didn't see the point in going back to being leader of the opposition. I have already done that, and it gives other people the opportunity to come through and lead the party, maybe in a new direction, that's up to them.

"I'm greatly relieved. It's like a weight has been taken off my shoulders. I can now start actually enjoying life as I intended in 1996 when I took retirement from full-time employment.

"My wife is delighted and my doctor says I have made the right decision.

" He was actually reluctant to sign me off when I went back two months ago but he agreed."

Coun Ormerod was first elected in 1991 and spent just one year as a back bencher before being given his first portfolio.

He was mayor in 1998/99 and then lost his seat and took over the leadership of the Labour Party from the year 2000 until now.

"I don't think people realise how the role has evolved, it's become much more oppressive in many ways.

"We are now running a business with a turnover of £50million. That's quite awesome."

Coun Battle said: "It's a challenge and I'm looking forward to it.

"Ian has been a good leader whether in opposition or control. It was just unfortunate he was taken ill." Coun Ormerod's resignation will be ratified at full council later this month.