THE ex-leader of Worcestershire County Council has described his own personal devastation at his fall from grace - saying he is "deeply ashamed".

Adrian Hardman has now refused to rule out quitting County Hall at next year's elections after his anguish-stricken court appearance.

In an exclusive interview with your Worcester News the 59-year-old, who cannot drive until May next year, also revealed police sent him on a hard-hitting educational course ahead of his court plea which laid bare the shocking dangers of drink driving.

He has also opened up to how tough it was leading the council for five years, overseeing a gruelling period in which it had to slash around £100 million off spending and axe hundreds of jobs.

"It was far harder than I ever thought it would be (leading the council)," he said.

"We had endless pressures to deal with on the budget, and around our decision making.

"During my time we had to entirely change the way in which the council worked."

He said the record investments in the economy, which made Worcestershire the third fastest growing part of England behind only London and Oxfordshire, was something the whole county achieved.

"It's not about what I have achieved (as leader), it's about what Worcestershire has achieved," he said.

Councillor Hardman, who also sits on Wychavon Parish Council and is an active parish councillor, insisted he was keen to stay active at the grassroots level of politics despite not being able to drive.

He also revealed that Bredon Parish Council actually decided to give him a vote of confidence back on Monday, January 4.

Just a week after his drink drive arrest and charge became public knowledge, it gave him some comfort ahead of the court case.

He intends to remain a district and parish councillor but will take time to consider his position at County Hall, where he represents Bredon as a backbencher after resigning from the cabinet.

"I will aim to continue with Wychavon and the parish - when I've been around the parish councils they have been very receptive, which I was very grateful for," he said.

"Bredon Parish Council gave me a vote of confidence."

He also said the Gloucestershire Police drink-drive education course opened his mind to the dangers he was putting himself and others in.

"Having been on an education course, clearly, I understand the dangers it can cause," he said.

"Obviously, I am deeply ashamed."

After the hearing Councillor Peter McDonald, the Labour group's leader, said: "When he called it a 'gross misjudgement' it was obviously a serious one.

"To be almost twice the drink-drive limit, you're putting people at risk. It's not just an error."

We revealed last week that Councillor Hardman had been temporarily suspended from the Conservative group at County Hall, pending further consideration until after the hearing.

* GUILTY: Adrian Hardman banned from driving for 16 months and fined £350.