Suffolk leader stepping back from role after cancer diagnosis

He's taking a break for treatment

Cllr David Busby (L) and Cllr John Ward (R)
Author: Sian RochePublished 6th Sep 2023

The leader of a Suffolk council is stepping back from the job - after being diagnosed with cancer.

Babergh District Council's announced that its leader, Cllr David Busby, has been forced to take a break from council business, with deputy leader Cllr John Ward stepping temporarily into the leader’s role.

Cllr Deborah Saw will remain as deputy leader and Babergh’s power-sharing coalition, agreed following May’s local elections, will continue.

The authority says there are likely to be knock-on changes to Cabinet portfolio arrangements, and a further announcement is expected over coming days.

Cllr Ward said: "We all wish Cllr Busby a full and speedy recovery and look forward to his return as soon as he feels ready.”

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.