Norfolk County Council Leader Steps Down After Complaint
9 January 2013, 17:07 | Updated: 9 January 2013, 17:13
The leader of Norfolk County Council Derrick Murphy has stepped down after complaints were made about his conduct.
Mr Murphy said he wants to concentrate his efforts on fighting a forthcoming Standards Committee hearing into complaints brought against him.
The date of the Standards Committee hearing will be confirmed as soon as possible but is expected to be within a matter of weeks.
In line with the constitution, the Deputy Leader, Councillor Bill Borrett will be Acting Leader until such time as a new Leader is appointed by Council. This will happen in due course.
In a statement to County Councillors Mr Murphy said: “I am writing to inform you that it is my intention to step down as Leader of the County Council until the Standards Committee hearing takes place into complaints against me which were highlighted in the Eastern Daily Press on 8 January 2013.
“The hearing is likely to take place within weeks but has yet to be finalised.
“As you may imagine my preparation for the Standards Committee hearing is taking a considerable amount of my time and attention at a time in the year when as leader I should be focused on working with my Cabinet to prepare for the 2013 Budget. It is my hope and expectation that I will clear my name and return to the position as Leader, but in the meantime, I am standing down as Leader of the County Council with immediate effect for what I regard as a temporary period of absence.”