JOHN SMEATON STEPS DOWN AS LEADER (18/12/02)

John Smeaton recently announced that he will step down as leader of the Conservative Group on Somerset County Council, on health grounds.

Councillor Smeaton said, ‘I have been deputy leader and leader of the group for six years.Apart from health reasons, I also feel that the opportunity of leadership should be open to someone younger, to take us into the County Council elections in 2005.

‘Leading a political group is both a challenging and fulfilling position.My successor will have my full support, and I’m sure that this goes for the rest of the group.I would like to thank them for their hard work and determination over recent years.

’I will continue to serve my division and help the Conservative Group in any way I can.’