THE chief executive of BCP Council has thanked Drew Mellor for his service after the Conservative councillor announced his resignation as leader of the local authority with immediate effect.

Cllr Mellor confirmed his decision in a personal statement released on Monday, February 12.

It comes just over a week before councillors were set to debate and vote on the budget for 2023/24 and plans for a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax.

Deputy leader Cllr Philip Broadhead will assume interim leadership of the council until the extraordinary council meeting, which will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, February 21.

Once this is complete, the scheduled full council meeting will take place to consider the budget for 2023/24 and council tax levels, with a provisional meeting scheduled the following night if the agenda is not completed.

Council chief executive Graham Farrant said: “I’d like to thank Cllr Mellor for his service as leader of the council for the last two and half years.

“The chairman has agreed to call an extraordinary meeting to elect a new council leader.

"In the meantime the council will continue to function and deliver essential public services for our residents and communities.”

Cllr Broadhead said: “I want to thank Cllr Mellor for his leadership through some of the most challenging times councils across the country have faced.

“I also want to reassure residents that they will see no change to their services in this interim period and I am working with officers to ensure a swift and thorough process.”

In a statement issued by the council, Cllr Mellor said: “I’m immensely proud of the achievements of the Council and the Administration I have had the honour to lead since October 2020.

“Our record of delivery, seeing record investment into so many areas - particularly those protecting our most vulnerable, is something that hasn't been easy, but it absolutely the right thing to do for our residents.

“However, having already taken the decision not to stand again in May, I feel it is right that those who are standing should lead the next few months into those elections, setting the vision for the next exciting chapter of BCP.”

In his personal statement, Cllr Mellor hit out at civil servants, HM Treasury, local government ministers, senior council officers and the authority’s auditor.