HILLINGDON Council’s longest-serving leader, Sir Ray Puddifoot, has announced he will be standing down in the new year after 20 years in the job.

Cllr Puddifoot said: “It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve as leader of Hillingdon Council, which is now recognised as one of the best in the country.

“However having, for family reasons, made the decision I would not stand again for election as a councillor in May 2022, I will formally leave office at the council meeting on Thursday, January 14, when a new leader will be elected.”