Alan Melton, leader of Fenland District Council, today announced that he will stand down in May and will not be seeking re-election as a councillor in a year’s time.

The news was given to Conservative colleagues on Fenland District Council by e-mail and follows a long period of speculation after the fall out from the sale of land at Nene, Wisbech, and the recent decision not to buy Wisbech Courthouse.

Cllr Melton was facing a second vote of no confidence by disenchanted colleagues who are angry at many aspects of the council’s work.

In recent days a letter had been circulated to all Conservative councillors inviting them to put their names to a vote of confidence at the next Conservative group meeting in a fortnight’s name.

Those behind the letter believe they had enough votes to topple him.

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