THE leader of Preston Borough Council has blamed the intense pressure of his role for his decision to resign - but it looks like his successor could face a much easier ride.

When a full restructuring of local authorities comes into play, whoever takes over as leader will have a full-time position and be paid the going rate for the job.

And to ensure the wage reflects the pressures of the job, an independent panel of local people is to be set up to help decide how much councillors should be paid.

Town clerk Jim Carr explained: "The council is conscious of the difficulty of attracting and keeping councillors because of the pressures that individuals have to cope with these days at home and especially at work.

"Early in the new year, the council hopes to create a panel to look at how councillors are compensated for their time, effort and expense they have to put in to what is effectively a job. This problem is particularly acute in respect of the office of leader of the council."

Peter Rankin struggled to juggle his work as a leading politician with his career at the University of Central Lancashire. He described the situation as 'mentally and physically exhausting'. He will also quit as representative for Ribbleton Ward in May, a post he has held for 17 years. He added: "I had to decide to either remain a councillor, and focus entirely on local politics, or concentrate on my career."

Although it has not been confirmed who will replace him it is understood that coun Andy Campbell has been shortlisted to fight for Ribbleton along with coun Derek Barton, who has since been selected to fight for Deepdale.

Sources close to the Labour Party Group have tipped Riversway councillor Marcus Johnstone as the likely candidate to take over as leader.

Whoever it is will find his orh her colleagues in the council chamber better reflect the make-up of the town. The new system aims to eliminate financial constraints on people entering local politics, thus opening it up to people of all backgrounds and incomes.

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