A POLITICAL heavyweight is stepping down from local governance after more than 15 years of service.

Councillor Bill Stephenson, who took the reins of the Labour Group three years ago and led them to victory in the 2010 council elections, has decided not to put himself forward as a candidate when Harrow hits the polls next year.

Mr Stephenson led the council for two and a half years until in September last year when he stood down due to poor health.

Since then, he has continued to serve his ward of Headstone South while councillor David Perry leads Labour in opposition to councillor Thaya Idaikkadar’s Independent Labour administration.

Looking back on his time serving Harrow Council, Mr Stephenson told the Observer: “On taking power we found a workforce with low morale and a council drifting with no direction. I am proud to have turned that all around, winning the award of Best Achieving Council in the country.

“In very difficult financial times we managed to defend front-line services, with no libraries or children’s centres closed, with a jump in both resident and workforce satisfaction. At the same time we have revolutionised how we consult with residents with our Let’s Talk campaign and our award winning revamped community Harrow People.”

First elected as a councillor in May 1998, Mr Stephenson has also served as a governor of Hatch End High School in Headstone Lane, Harrow, and governor of Marlborough First and Middle School, Marlborough Hill, Harrow.

He added: “Due to ill health I had to stand down as the leader of the council and leader of the Labour Group, but have left it in very capable hands of David Perry and his team.”

Mr Perry said: “Bill Stephenson served the residents of Harrow with huge passion and his leadership transformed the council during a very difficult period.

“It is always sad to see experienced colleagues retire following such a huge contribution to Harrow, but as the new leader of the Labour Group it is my responsibility to build upon the great work Bill presided over.”

The Observer has also learned that councillors Ben Wealthy and Victoria Silver, both Labour, will not be looking to retain their seats in next year’s local elections.