LABOUR'S group leader on City of York Council, Dafydd Williams, is quitting - less than a year after taking over from James Alexander.

He said he will be continuing as a councillor for Heworth and will remain an active member of the Labour Group.
 
He said his decision to stand down was based on the time demands of having a full-time job and young children on top of his political role.

He said: “After the elections in May I returned to my day job on a full-time basis and I have found that the demands of my job and looking after my two young kids has meant I am struggling to devote the time to the role of York Labour Leader that the post needs and deserves.

"I care passionately about the City and the Labour Party and I feel both need a Labour Leader who can put the hours in that can make a difference.
 
“It has been a great honour to lead the Labour Group this last year and especially to have been Leader of City of York Council and I would like to thank all the people who have supported me in those roles.

"I am looking forward to being a more active local ward councillor in Heworth and to being a supportive backbencher in the Labour Group.

"Hopefully in the future when my children are a bit older I might make a return to a more prominent political role, but for now I’m looking forward to spending more time with them.
 
Cllr Williams will remain in post until his successor is chosen, expected to be some time in the weeks following the full council meeting in October.
 
More to follow