A LIBERAL Democrat councillor says his decision to quit as group leader has nothing to do with last week’s election results.

Nigel Martin said he had decided to step down as Lib Dem group leader on Durham County Council “months” before Thursday’s poll.

The elections saw the Lib Dems plummet from 21 Durham county councillors to just nine, while Labour increased its seat tally from 67 to 94.

Coun Martin said: “It’s time for someone else to take the baton. It has nothing to do with the election results.”

The 68-year-old Neville’s Cross member has been a county councillor since 1985 and Lib Dem group leader since 1989.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being leader. I’d like to think I’ve done one or two good things.”

Coun Martin, of Pity Me, spent 32 years working in Durham University’s maths department, including eight as principal of Trevelyan College.

His successor as Lib Dem group leader will be chosen on Friday (May 10).