A LEADING Worcestershire politician has paid his own tribute to the county council's outgoing leader - calling him "outstanding".

Conservative Marcus Hart, who rose to prominence as a key figure of County Hall's Tory leadership in recent years, said Adrian Hardman will leave a legacy behind.

Councillor Hardman is quitting after being arrested and charged with drink driving in Tewkesbury on Tuesday, December 22.

Councillor Hart, aged 37, is the cabinet member for health and well-being and said he was pleased the outgoing leader accepted and promoted younger people into his senior team during his five years in charge.

"He's been an outstanding leader for the last five years, and his vision for reform and enthusiasm was second to none," he said.

"Notwithstanding what has happened, as a leader he was very fair, very measured, very reasonable and he always let you have your say, particularly with the younger members of the cabinet which I will always be grateful for."

Councillor Hart has already ruled himself out of trying to become the new leader at County Hall, saying he is happy to focus on running Wyre Forest District Council.

He took over at the Wyre Forest in April last year, juggling that with his role overseeing health and well-being across Worcestershire for the top-tier authority.

We can also reveal how another senior Tory has come out in support of Councillor Simon Geraghty, who is vying to become the county council's new leader.

Councillor John Campion, who sits in the cabinet, has told your Worcester News he will be backing him when the votes take place to elect a new boss.

Councillor Campion had also ruled himself out of the running for the leadership position because he is trying to become West Mercia's new police and crime commissioner at the May elections.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrat group has distanced itself from calls by the leader of County Hall's opposition Labour Party demanding that Adrian Hardman should stop being a councillor altogether once he quits as leader.

Councillor Liz Tucker, who leads the Lib Dems, said although his position as leader is untenable, it would not support calls for him to resign as a backbencher.

As we first revealed on Monday, Councillor Hardman will appear at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Monday, January 18 charged with drink driving.

In his resignation statement he admitted the offence, calling it a "gross misjudgement" and saying he will plead guilty in court.

A new leader will take over on Thursday, January 14.