Kuldip Sahota standing down as Telford & Wrekin Council leader

Councillor Sahota said he had made the decision as he is approaching his 65th birthday and wants to see others step forward to move the borough further. He will formally stand down before Telford & Wrekin's annual general meeting on May 26.

Councillor Sahota, who has been leader since 2011, rejected claims from rival councillors that he had been forced out.

He said he was proud of what his council has achieved in the past five years, including the development of Southwater, the solar farm at Wheat Leasows and improving the borough's economy, creating new jobs for residents.

On the day he announced his resignation, Councillor Sahota also revealed he was set to become a grandfather for the first time, with his daughter-in-law due in November of this year.

He said he would remain on the council as ward member for Malinslee, a post he has held for about 15 years.

He said: "It will allow me to concentrate on my ward.

"People in Malinslee and Dawley have voted for me for 15 years and I need to be more loyal to them.

"Politics is very stressful, and I have always said that. As leader you feel like you are spinning plates and you have to make sure that none of the plates fall."

Members of the ruling Labour group praised Councillor Sahota for his efforts.

Councillor Richard Overton, the council's deputy leader, tweeted:

Councillor Lee Carter, cabinet member for council finance and service delivery, tweeted:

But Conservative councillors claim Councillor Sahota was ousted weeks ago in a meeting by the borough's Labour party.

Conservative leader Councillor Andrew Eade, ward member for Church Aston and Lilleshall, said: "He was removed two weeks ago and Councillor Shaun Davies has taken over."

Conservative MP for the Wrekin, Mark Pritchard, also put out a post on social media saying it was a "shame" he had been forced out by other Labour councillors.

But both Councillor Sahota and Councillor Davies have strongly refuted the claims, saying Councillor Sahota made the decision on his own. When asked if he was the new leader, Councillor Davies said: "Not at all. These claims being made by Andrew Eade are utter rubbish. Kuldip is a great friend of mine, we represent the same ward and I appreciate all the opportunities I have had to work for him and work with him."

The council will elect a new leader at next month's annual meeting.