SOUTHEND Council leader Nigel Holdcroft says he may not seek reelection to the council next year.

Nigel Holdcroft, aTory ward councillor for West Leigh, said: “I have confirmed to colleagues I am still giving consideration to whether or not to stand.

“By next May, I will have completed 14 years on the council, in two periods, and seven years as leader.Iwill makeadecision and advise my ward committee no later than the early new year.”

If Mr Holdcroft steps down the ruling Conservative group would elect a new leader.

Deputy leader John Lamb, Derek Jarvis, councillor responsible for culture and tourism, and Tony Cox, councillor responsible for public protection, waste and transport, are among the front runners.

Mr Holdcroft, a solicitor specialising in civil litigation for Tolhurst Fisher in Nelson Street, Southend, wasamember of Southend Council in the Nineties, before quitting because of family commitments.

Re-elected in 2006, he was made deputy leader and executive councillor for social services after three months and leader the next year