Controversial mayor to leave post

The Mayor of Ludlow will step down this month after a controversial 12-month reign. Councillor Marie Glaze said she would not seek re-election.It paves the way for a new battle between opposing factions of the town council.

Councillor Glaze has presided over a council that has been characterised by rows and in-fighting. However, she said she had enjoyed her 12 months in office.

She said: "I've enjoyed my year as mayor. I said I wanted to be mayor because I'd been on the town council for 12 years.

"Now it's time for someone else to have a turn. I've done my stint and somebody else can carry the town council forward."

Councillor Glaze said she was aware of at least three town councillors who were hoping to become mayor and one town councillor who planned to stand as deputy.

She said there had already been a lot of hard bargaining from potential candidates who were keen to succeed her.

Councillor Glaze's election 12 months ago sparked a furore at Ludlow Town Council with three councillors resigning in protest at the appointment.

A fourth councillor resigned soon after, citing work commitments.

Councillor Glaze was twice reported to the Standards Board for England and she was involved in a series of rows with former mayor Councillor Graeme Kidd, who served for four years.

She added that she was pleased that she had stuck at the role of mayor, though she admitted there were times when criticism of her made it tough.

Councillor Glaze added that she planned to continue serving Ludlow as a town councillor.