THE former leader of Darlington Borough Council has stepped down from a position with the new board overseeing health services in the town due to ill health.

John Williams was appointed as a lay member on the Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) last year, following his retirement as leader of the council in May 2011, a position he held for more than 20 years.

As lay member, Mr Williams was responsible for helping to ensure that the board acted in the best interests of the local population.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the CCG, but found that recently my health was not allowing me to perform my duties to the high standards that I demand of myself when holding public office for the people of Darlington.

“The CCG may be in its infancy, but already it has taken great strides working to improve health services on behalf of the local population.”

Dr Andrea Jones, chairman of Darlington CCG, said: “I would like to thank John for his hard work and commitment in helping the CCG to find its feet during this period of unprecedented reform in the NHS.

“John was instrumental in helping the CCG achieve authorisation and his legacy will ensure that the CCG continues to strive to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in the Borough of Darlington.”

Mr Williams was elected to Darlington Council in 1979, and became Labour leader in 1989. He was awarded the MBE in 2006 for services to local government and was given the Freedom of the Borough of Darlington in April 2012.

Due to Mr William’s resignation, the CCG will be looking to appoint a new lay member. For further details, visit darlingtonccg.nhs.uk