ONE of Teignbridge Council’s longest serving and most ‘influential’ members has decided to step-down.

Kingsteignton councillor Mike Walters handed in his resignation last week because of health reasons.

The announcement came at the same time as Newton Abbot councillor Judy Grainger revealed she would be quitting the district authority.

Conservative Mike joined the council back in 1999 and served as its chairman from 2005 until 2006.

Fellow Tory and leader of the council Jeremy Christophers said: ‘Mike has been one of the most influential members to serve on Teignbridge Council.

‘People have always warmed to him because he has high standards and works hard.

‘Spending time with Mike has always been a great pleasure.

‘Although Mike will not be at the council in May, he will continue to live life to the full with his wife Lynn and his family.’

Leader of the Lib Dems Gordon Hook said: ‘Mike is an enthusiastic cricketer and his long innings at the local government crease has come to an end.

‘He has done the honourable thing and being very conscious of his faltering health, he has “declared”.

He added: ‘As a member of the administration he would always play the straightest of bats and in opposition he was not averse to throwing in the odd “bouncer”.

‘I am sure we all wish him well in retirement.’

Following Mike’s departure a by-election has been planned for May 4 to fill the vacant Kingsteignton place.

A Teignbridge spokesman said: ‘The Notice of Election will be published on March 27 and nomination packs will be available from this Monday.’