ESSEX County Council leader Peter Martin has announced he will step down at the next election in May after 24 years on the authority.
The 68-year-old, who represents the Chelmer ward in Chelmsford, says he wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.
"I am fully committed to all the policies of the County Council and I feel that the council is in good shape to face the challenges that lie ahead over the next few years," said Cllr Martin, who will not stand for re-election on May 2.
The former Managing Director of the Martin's Newsagent group took over from former leader Lord Hanningfield in February 2010 when he was forced to step down over the police investigation into his Parliamentary expenses.
His political career with the Conservatives started in 1972 when he joined the party.
He became the Chairman for the Chelmsford Constituency Association in 1986, and later rose to regional chairman for the Conservative Party in the East of England.
His involvement with council politics has always been at county level. He was first elected to represent Springfield in 1989. He continues to represent the Chelmsford division.
