ONE of Preston's political stalwarts is to stand down as the leader of his party.

Councillor Joe Hood, CBE, has announced he does not intend to stand for re-election as the leader of Preston's Conservative Party after the group's AGM on March 15.

His deputy Coun Ken Hudson is expected to stand for leadership.

Coun Hood, 72, decided to give up local politics after a recent illness.

He said: "There comes a time when you should hand over and my time has come. I feel I have done my whack. I want to be a good representative for the people of my area and Preston in general."

Coun Hood, pictured, was elected leader of the party in March 1974.

He was leader of the council from 1976 to 1980 and was responsible for moving the resolution to close and redevelop Preston's dockland.

He added: "I have lots of happy memories of my time as leader of the Conservatives. My happiest moment was when I proposed Tom Finney to become an Honorary Freeman of the borough in 1979.

"I was amazed when I received the same honour myself in 1992."

His deputy, Coun Ken Hudson, spoke of his admiration for Coun Hood.

He said: "He has done an amazing job as leader of our party and his leadership will be sadly missed.

"We hope he will now be able to become one of the elder statesmen of the local political scene."

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