Calderdale Council’s leader has announced she is stepping down and will not stand for re-election next month.

Jane Scullion, who has represented the ward of Luddenden Foot as a councillor since 2016, has been the council’s leader for the past three years.

She says she is reluctantly stepping down for health reasons, as she is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

“It has been a real honour to lead the council,” said Councillor Scullion.

"These have been difficult times for all local councils in England, but I feel we have managed to take decisions in a quiet but efficient way here in Calderdale during a period of extreme austerity.

"I believe that we have done more than survived austerity, we have built the foundations for a strong future.

"I feel privileged to have served the good and decent people of Calderdale.”

Councillor Scullion has dedicated most of her working life to local democracy, having worked in senior positions in neighbouring local authorities before retiring and becoming a councillor.

She has also been active nationally through work for the Local Government Association, and regionally through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

She has added she has is grateful for the excellent care and support which she is receiving from NHS staff at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and St James Hospital, Leeds.

All of the 54 seats across 18 wards of Calderdale are up for election this year.

Voting takes place on May 7.

The deadline for registering to vote is by 11.59pm on April 20.