Lib Dem councillor Peter Phillips steps down

A leading Liberal Democrat councillor today announced his shock decision to step down after more than three decades in Shropshire politics.

Councillor Peter Phillips, who represents Bishop's Castle on Shropshire Council, said he lacked the "youthful vigour" to continue.

The move has sparked a by-election for Mr Phillips' seat, which is expected to take place in late September.

Mr Phillips said: "After such a long time, I first stood in 1973, when local politics has been my consuming interest and ambition it's a really tough decision. But I'm conscious in recent years of not having quite that youthful vigour."