VETERAN Lib Dem councillor Graham Longley has resigned from his cabinet post at Southend Council as he recovers from a serious accident.

Mr Longley, who was responsible for tourism, enterprise, and economic development, and served as deputy leader of the council, suffered a bad fall in his home in the autumn.

He continues to recover well, but he he has asked to step down from his role, with Lib Dem Mary Betson, who represents Prittlewell, taking over his cabinet duties.

Labour’s Ian Gilbert, who job-shared deputy leadership with Graham, gets the deputy leadership full-time.

Mr Longley will continue as a ward councillor for Blenheim Park but he has not made a decision yet on whether he will stand for re-election in May.

Council leader Ron Woodley thanked Mr Longley for his commendable service in cabinet and wished him a steady recovery. He said: “It is with regret that I have accepted the resignation of Graham Longley, who feels he cannot fully commit himself to the responsibilities of cabinet whilst he recovers from a serious accident.

“Graham has worked with great passion, enthusiasm and efficiency in his roles as deputy leader and as a portfolio holder. I wish him a steady recovery and welcome his decision to continue to serve the Council as a ward councillor.

“I am also comforted I am able to welcome Mary Betson into the cabinet, who brings with her a wealth of experience, sitting on numerous council committee roles over the years.”

Mrs Betson has been a councillor since 2008 but was first elected to Southend Borough Council in 1973.

Her terms as a Councillor are 1973-76, 1995-1997 and 2008-to date.

During her current term she has served on various committees including the Fostering Panel, housing working party and people scrutiny, as well as chairing the audit committee.