The leader of the Conservative group has stepped down just days after winning leadership of Maidstone council so the "younger generation can take the reins".
Eric Hotson announced on Wednesday he was standing down from his position after an impressive ten year stint as Tory group leader, during which time he successfully doubled the number of seats for his party on the council.
Deputy leader Chris Garland, who was formally the cabinet member for regeneration, has confirmed he will be rising to the challenge and taking over from Mr Hotson.
He will officially become leader of the council next Wednesday at the annual meeting.
Mr Hotson said: “Ten years is long enough. I felt now was the appropriate time to go and let someone else have the reins.
“I think Chris is a brilliant chap. I have seen how he works and he is dedicated to his job, and has plenty of time and commitment for it, which is absolutely necessary.
“I am confident he will grow into the role very quickly.”
The announcement came as a shock following the Tories strong win over the Liberal Democrats coalition at the local elections on May 1.
Mr Garland said: “I’m extremely pleased to be entrusted with this position at the age of 34, it’s quite a daunting prospect but I believe I’ve got the strength and character to bring it forward with such a good team.”
The top priorities on the new leaders list are to look into the town’s planning system and ensure new builds are in-keeping with Maidstone’s character, concentrate on climate change, protecting the town’s green spaces and bringing back concessionary bus fares to help those who used the old voucher system that was scrapped by the former leaders of the council.
Mr Hotson is also looking to bring back St George’s Day celebrations and has been working closely with the organisers of the River Festival to find a way to ensure the popular event runs this year.
River Festival chairman David Knight announced in February the event would not run this year because of new policing costs.
The organisers were rumoured to have been asked to pay between £16,000 and £20,000 to stage the event.
Mr Hotson has said he plans to continue working with the council and hoped to take on the role as chairman of one of the scrutiny committees.
“I still foresee myself staying with the council for some time yet, I love it and enjoy every minute of it but I suppose you need to stay in it as long as I have,” Mr Hotson said.
The council is now made up of 29 Conservatives, 21 Liberal Democrats, five Independent members and one Labour representative.
POSTED: 09/05/2008 15:45:11