Councillor Peter Rankin pictured recently looking round Preston’s new market Pic: Paul Melling

The leader of Preston City Council is to stand aside due to upcoming surgery.

Councillor Peter Rankin is to undergo an operation before Christmas for a brain tumour.

The Labour group leader and Tulketh councillor was elected in 2008 and is due to be absent from politics for around two months.

Mayor of Preston councillor Brian Rollo made the announcement at Thursday (14 December) afternoon’s full council meeting.

He said: “The Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Peter Rankin, will be taking leave of absence from the Council, from 22nd December for health reasons. Specifically he will be having surgery next week for a brain tumour. For the next two months he will be having further treatment and be in recovery.

“During this period his deputy, Councillor Robert Boswell, will act on his behalf, with the support of Cabinet.”