One of the leading figures behind the campaign to create two councils in Bucks as part of a major authority shake-up has resigned as leader of the district council.

An email was sent out to Aylesbury Vale district councillors (AVDC) this afternoon (Thursday) announcing that Neil Blake has stepped down from his post.

Cllr Blake joined other district leaders across the county in formulating plans for two unitary authorities for Buckinghamshire, in a bid to modernise the ‘outdated’ local government structure.

The proposals rivalled Bucks County Council’s plans to scrap all district councils in favour of one unitary authority.

The email sent by democratic services manager at AVDC, Bill Ashton, said: “I have to inform you that councillor Neil Blake has resigned as leader of the council.

“In accordance with the constitution the deputy leader will discharge the functions of the leader until such time as a new leader has been formally elected by the council.”

Councillor Angela Macpherson will now take on the role until a new leader is elected.

A public consultation on the unitary plans finished at the end of May, and a final decision is expected to be announced by the government over the summer.