THE HEAD of East Devon District Council has announced that the 2011 local elections will be the last she will contest as Conservative leader.

Cllr Sara Randall Johnson announced today: “The local elections on May 5 next year will be the third and last that I shall fight as Leader.

She added: “Local councils face enormous challenges as a result of Labour’s reckless over-spending and any local council leader going into an election requires a clear and detailed view of the way forward to ensure delivery of front-line services in these volatile times. “Contesting and winning an election in these difficult circumstances calls for a combination of experience, resolve and the capacity to formulate a clear plan of action, stay focused and see it through to delivery.

“I intend to take EDDC through into the next council session, after which I propose to step down.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Leader of EDDC and it has been a tremendous privilege to serve the people of East Devon over the past ten years.”

For a full story, read this Friday’s Sidmouth Herald and the Midweek Herald on Wednesday.