COUNCILLOR Susan Juned is stepping down as leader of the Liberal Democrats on Stratford Council after six-and-a-half years at the helm.

Mrs Juned, who spent three of those years between 1997 to 2000 as council leader, has decided to concentrate more on her role as prospective parliamentary spokesman for the Lib Dems in Stratford and will step down on Friday.

She said: "I have been leader of the group for more than six years and feel proud to have led them on the district council.

"But after the Brent East by-election and the recent opinion polls showing the strong support of the Liberal Democrats nationally, I want to concentrate on my role as parliamentary spokesman to support the party and help them to prepare for the next General Election."

Mrs Juned has championed openness and accountability in the council and helped to drive forward a strong environmental agenda during her time.

Mrs Juned added: "I have many capable colleagues who will continue to take the group forward in the next few months and I will support them in their desire to run the district council again soon."