Labour group starts search for new leader as stalwart resigns

Coun Wilson, who was leader of Sheffield Council for seven years until the group were deposed by the Liberal Democrats, revealed her decision in a statement released yesterday.

The long-serving councillor said she would stay on in her role as a representative for the city's deprived Manor Castle ward but said it was "time for someone new to take the reins" of the opposition group on the the authority.

Coun Wilson was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2007 but

continued as Labour leader through two local council elections – cancelling out the Liberal Democrats' majority in May, leaving the council under no overall control.

During her time as leader of the council, several major projects were completed in the city and since Labour lost power in Sheffield Coun Wilson has presented formidable opposition to the new Liberal Democrat administration.

She has been particularly critical of council leader Paul Scriven's introduction of so-called community assemblies, which have devolved budgets to use in their own areas, and also described the council's refusal to introduce free swimming for young people and the elderly as "outrageous".

She fought to save the Sheffield 101 non-emergency telephone number when the Government scrapped its funding and signed a massive public private partnership scheme to improve the city's roads and street lighting.

Coun Wilson said: "It has been a fantastic privilege to lead the Labour group in Sheffield. Over the years there have been many highs and lows and I have loved every minute. It is vital that we continue to be a strong opposition, standing up for Sheffield.

"In light of the recent spending cuts which have shocked and outraged local people, there has never been a more important time for Labour to provide a strong voice speaking up for ordinary Sheffielders."

Sheffield Council's Labour group said Coun Wilson had made her decision as a result of a "long-term health condition" and said a vote to decide who will replace Coun Wilson would take place "in due course".