THE new leader of Dudley Council has announced he will be formally stepping down from the top job in the coming weeks.

Labour councillor Pete Lowe, who was recently re-elected as leader of the authority, has decided to step aside to concentrate on other political priorities and his day job as a national officer for Managers in Partnership (MiP) with the NHS.

Cllr Lowe will stay on as a councillor for Lye and Stourbridge North but he said: “Over the past few months I have enjoyed returning to the role of leader of the council. However, in many ways it’s the right job but at the wrong time for me. I am still committed to representing the Lye and Stourbridge North ward but personally I have other political priorities mounting up, as well as professional commitments, so I have decided it is time to step aside.

“I am passionate about the people, community groups and businesses of the Dudley borough and I am not comfortable unless I can give my all to them.

“I am incredibly proud of this borough and am delighted we have been able to establish Dudley borough as the historic capital of the Black Country and I’m looking forward to working with all other councillors and partner organisations to develop the borough’s vision to forge a future for all.”

Councillor Lowe was leader of the council from December 2014 until May 2017, before resuming the role in September this year.

A new leader will be selected at a future meeting of the full council.