Council leader steps aside for cancer treatment

Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton has announced he is stepping back from the role as he undergoes treatment for cancer.

The Conservative politician, who has led the authority since 2012, revealed on Wednesday he had been diagnosed with the disease.

Speaking at a council meeting, Mr Rushton said he would be taking "a back seat in the short term".

Deputy council leader Deborah Taylor has become acting leader in his absence.

Mr Rushton, who represents the Valley division in north west Leicestershire, said he planned to update colleagues on his condition in September and thanked Mrs Taylor who, he said, had been informally acting as leader for a month already.

She said the council wished Mr Rushton well with his recovery and she was sure everyone would “work together to ensure the council continues on the right track for the next few months”.

Mr Rushton’s son Bertie Harrison-Rushton, who is also a county councillor, told the meeting: “Whenever cancer enters anyone’s life it is incredibly overwhelming and tricky, but I’ve seen dad not only in work but also behind the scenes and he’s been absolutely stalwart and incredible in how he’s responded.

“I think the way he’s come to us today and just been so open and honest is just a testament to his character and it shows we can all be open about these types of health problems. So dad, leader, good luck.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said opposition councillors also wished the leader the best with his treatment.

Labour councillor Jewel Miah said he hoped Mr Rushton would have the “speediest of recoveries”.

Stuart Bray for the Liberal Democrats, added: “I wanted to add my sincere best wishes to Nick for the future and I hope his treatment is very successful.”

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