Councillor Ted Richards has shocked the local political world by standing down as leader of the ruling Conservative group on Solihull Council in the wake of last Thursday's local elections. He said yesterday he had been "very disappointed" with the outcome of the elections, which saw the Tories failing to retain overall control after losing two seats to the Liberal Democrats.

After eight years' leading the council - and nine as Tory group leader - Cllr Richards has handed over the reins to Dorridge and Hockley Heath councillor Ken Meeson, cabinet member for education and children, who was unanimously elected to head the group at a meeting on Friday. Cllr Richards's deputy, fellow Castle Bromwich councillor Ian Hillas, also stood down and has been succeeded by Cllr Bob Sleigh (Bickenhill), cabinet member for healthier communities and older people.

In an exclusive interview with the Solihull Times, Cllr Richards said: "I was very disappointed with the election results. We wouldn't have lost the seats if it hadn't been for the BNP. They are a serious threat and the amount of support they are getting is worrying.

Even after the disapointing election results there is always a flip side to every outcome whatever it may be.
John Cruddas like Councillor Richards is another supposedly high ranking official who is worried about the overall picture regarding the BNP........
http://icsolihull.icnetwork.co.uk/ne...name_page.html