NEARLY a third of councillors have decided to stand down from Cambridgeshire County Council at next month’s election.

Cambs Times: STANDING DOWN AS A COUNTY COUNCILLOR: Cllr Alan Melton giving a speech at Shire Hall.STANDING DOWN AS A COUNTY COUNCILLOR: Cllr Alan Melton giving a speech at Shire Hall. (Image: Archant)

A total of 21 of the 69 members have announced they will not be seeking re-election on May 2. Between them they have clocked up 230 years of continuous service.

Cambs Times: STANDIND DOWN: Official opening of the Manea School extension by Dave 'Boy' Green. Shaking hands with CCC Chairman councillor John Powley watched by Chair of Governors Mrs Sarah Eastol.STANDIND DOWN: Official opening of the Manea School extension by Dave 'Boy' Green. Shaking hands with CCC Chairman councillor John Powley watched by Chair of Governors Mrs Sarah Eastol. (Image: Archant)

Some are leaving for no other reason than they have moved – Councillor Geoff Harper retired to Stamford two years ago- whilst others leave out of frustration.

Cambs Times: STANDING DOWN: Tariq Sadiq, Labour Group leader Cambridgeshire County CouncilSTANDING DOWN: Tariq Sadiq, Labour Group leader Cambridgeshire County Council (Image: Archant)

In that camp is likely to be Councillor Shona Johnstone of Over who has been involved in a spectacular falling out with the leader who replaced her, Councillor Nick Clarke.

Cambs Times: Cambridgeshire County Council offices at Shire HallCambridgeshire County Council offices at Shire Hall (Image: Archant)

Another former leader standing down is Councillor Jill Tuck - who represents Elm, Parson Drove and Wisbech St Mary- and who beat five others to win the leadership in 2008. She lasted three years.

Another hanging up his political boots is council chairman John Powley, with 21 years service in total and 16 years of continuous service.

County Council chief executive Mark Lloyd said: “These councillors have served the county council and their communities with energy, dedication and commitment.

“They have all been instrumental in helping Cambridgeshire become the forward-thinking, vibrant and successful county it is today.

“They all have my sincere thanks for their many years of service to the council and their communities.”

The following 21 county councillors are not seeking re-election in May.

• Christine Carter (Labour) - 12 years continuous service

• Jeff Dutton (Conservative) - 8 years continuous service

• Geoffrey Harper (Conservative) - 12 years continuous service

• Nichola Harrison (Independent) - 8 years continuous service

• Geoffrey Heathcock (Lib Dem) - 20 years continuous service

• Catherine Hutton (Conservative) - 4 years continuous service

• Shona Johnstone (Conservative) - 20 years continuous service

• Victor Lucas (Conservative) - 12 years continuous service

• Alan Melton (Conservative) - 16 years continuous service

• Linda Oliver (Conservative) - 16 years continuous service

• Roy Pegram (Conservative) - 16 years continuous service

• John Powley (Conservative) - 21 years service - 16 years continuous service

• Tariq Sadiq (Labour) - 4 years continuous service

• Caroline Shepherd (Lib Dem) - 4 years continuous service

• Tim Stone (Lib Dem) - 8 years continuous service

• Jill Tuck (Conservative) - 20 years continuous service

• Richard West (Conservative) - 4 years continuous service

• Fiona Whelan (Lib Dem) - 5 years continuous service

• Sarah Whitebread (Lib Dem) - 4 years continuous service

• Kevin Wilkins (Lib Dem) - 8 years continuous service

• Michael Williamson (Lib Dem) - 8 years continuous service