The leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council has announced he will step down before the end of August.
Conservative councillor John Cartwright made his announcement at full council on Wednesday night.
He said: “Whilst the day is not set yet completely, I have an intention to relinquish the leadership before the end of August which will allow for sufficient time to give the necessary notice in order for an election to be called.
“Thank you for all of your co-operation to all the members and officers and particular thanks to various cabinet members I have worked with over the last 12 to 13 years.”
During his tenurehe oversaw the building of the Waterside development including the £47 million Waterside Theatre.
He also spearheaded the move of the district council from Aylesbury town centre to new offices in Gatehouse Road.
Deputy leader Michael Edmonds said Mr Cartwright would be a great loss to the council when he steps down.
And long serving Liberal Democrat Freda Roberts jokingly told Mr Cartwright at the meeting: “I don’t think it’s good enough John to just give up like that.
“You’re not as old as me, you ought to carry on.”
Mr Cartwright was first elected as a district councillor for Grendon Underwood in 1985.
Since securing a Conservative majority in the district council in 2003 Mr Cartwright led his party to further wins in 2007 and 2011.
He also served as a county councillor for 16 years until he stood down in May claiming he couldn’t defend the torment of driving on Bucks roads.
