AN OUTSPOKEN councillor has admitted to feeling ‘battle weary’ after shocking colleagues by quitting his post - to spend more time with his cows.
Conservative David Brookes has resigned as East Staffordshire Borough Council member for Yoxall and chairman of the authority’s planning committee.
Mr Brookes, a dairy farmer in Bramshall, said he had stood down to devote all his energies to his farm, after losing the services of a herdsman earlier this year.
Mr Brookes, a member of the council since 1997, was elected in Yoxall in May after being deselected by the party from his Uttoxeter Town ward after a turbulent year as mayor of the town.
In July, he was cleared by the Standards Board For England of accusations of bullying, intimidation and bringing his office as mayor into disrepute, one of a series of complaints sparked by his stormy year in office.
Council leader Richard Grosvenor paid tribute to his colleague, saying: “It’s very sad David has taken this brave decision. He’s made a huge impact on the council in his 14 years’ service.
“Never afraid to call a spade a spade, you always knew where you stood with David. Thoroughly devoted to the council and the Conservative Party, he was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition political groups.”
Council chief executive Andy O’Brien said: “David could always be relied upon to make a contribution to the council in his quest for continuous improvement. His vitality and insight will be missed around the place.”
No date has yet been set for the by-election in Yoxall ward necessitated by Mr Brookes’ departure.
