Cheshire East leader to resign

The leader of Cheshire East Council has told members of the Conservative party he is to resign.

Cllr Michael Jones has been under growing pressure to quit because of the controversy surrounding the awarding of contracts.

Three contracts with a total value of £156,000 were awarded to Core Fit Ltd – a company run by his personal physiotherapist Amanda Morris – which delivers fitness classes in schools.

At a group meeting tonight he told fellow Tories he intends to stand down.

An election for the new leader of the Conservative group will be held on January 14. It is expected that the new leader of the council will be appointed at the next full meeting of Cheshire East Council after that.

A source from within the Conservative party has said “Counc Jones will not support a ‘blue on blue’ attack within the party and has decided to give notice he is to quit.”

“He was asked nine times to reconsider and there were some people in tears.”

Cllr Jones has not yet commented but did announce at today’s cabinet meeting he was going to make an announcement on Wednesday (9th December).