WORCESTER'S MP says the outgoing leader of Worcestershire County Council was "right to take the rap" after being caught drink driving - calling it "incredibly sad".
Robin Walker has paid his own tribute to Councillor Adrian Hardman, saying despite his fall from grace the 59-year-old made an enormous contribution to the county.
As your Worcester News revealed on Monday, Councillor Hardman was pulled over by police in Tewkesbury on Tuesday, December 22 and failed a breath test.
He will appear before Cheltenham magistrates on Monday, January 18 charged with drink driving and is quitting as leader after admitting his actions were a "gross misjudgement".
Mr Walker worked quite closely with Councillor Hardman over his five years as leader, pushing the authority's case with ministers.
He said: "From Adrian's perspective it's incredibly sad that he's had to go earlier than he would have planned. It's a sad situation.
"But a lot has changed at the county council from the George Lord era (the previous leader, who was jailed for two sexual offences against women), and that was to Adrian's credit.
"He changed it for the better, but I think in these circumstances he's done the right thing to take the rap, it's right for him to go."
Mr Walker also said he was "delighted" that Councillor Simon Geraghty is now almost certain to be elected as new leader.
As we revealed yesterday, Councillor Geraghty, the current deputy leader, has thrown his hat into the ring to take the top job and is likely to stand unopposed.
Mr Walker said: "If Simon gets elected as leader I'll be delighted, he's a very safe pair of hands and has shown he can run the city council successfully.
"He's done extremely well as the deputy leader at County Hall, I wouldn't want to interfere at all in their decision but if he does become the new leader I'd welcome it."
The endorsement is another boost for Councillor Geraghty, who at the age of 39 stands to become one of the youngest leaders of a top-tier 'shire authority' in the country if he lands the position.
Every single member of the current Conservative leadership at County Hall has confirmed they will not stand against him in the election contest.
The Tory group will select its new leader on Friday, January 8 in a secret ballot before a new leader of Worcestershire County Council is chosen on Thursday, January 14.
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