The leader of Preston City Council has announced he will be leaving politics in the Spring.

Councillor Peter Rankin has undergone surgery for a brain tumour and has now decided is ‘time to concentrate on my serious health issues’.

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A full council meeting was told on Thursday (1 February) how councillor Rankin would not be seeking re-election for the Tulketh ward in May. He has represented the ward since 2008.

Cllr Rankin has been absent since December with councillor Robert Boswell stepping up as acting leader.

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In a statement the council leader said: “As many are aware, I had surgery for a brain tumour just before Christmas and have since started my treatment of chemo and radiotherapy. The doctors, nurses and support staff at RPH have been amazing.

“I wish to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the many people who have sent me their kind thoughts and best wishes over the past few weeks. Where possible I am participating in meetings as Council Leader and intend for that to increase over the coming weeks.

“My cancer is glioblastoma and this is exactly the same as Tessa Jowell who spoke publicly about her serious illness last week. To me she is an inspiration and like her I am positive about getting rid of the cancer. Despite this, as this recovery will take quite a long time, I decided I cannot stand again for the Council in May.

“I have been leader since Labour took over in 2011 and faced many big issues over this period, including a very successful City Deal, regeneration and the very serious problems that government cuts have presented us with. It’s been an honour to have served as Council Leader but hard work! It’s now time to concentrate on my serious health issues.”

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You can leave your messages to councillor Rankin in the comments below (we know he reads them!)