A new era will begin at South Bucks District Council after the election in May with the current leader announcing he will not be seeking re-election.

Beaconsfield north ward representative, Councillor Adrian Busby, is due to step down from the council and the role of leader at the election, and believes he leaves the authority in “good financial shape”.

Speaking to the Bucks Free Press after making the decision public, Cllr Busby said after 12 years on the district council he thinks the time is right for a new start, joking that even the President of the United States of America only serves for two terms.

He said: “I have been honoured to be a member at South Bucks for 12 years and lead the council for the past eight, but I feel the time is now right to step aside so the council can move forward to a tremendous future with a new leader.

“The last eight years have been a challenging time and I am proud of what we have achieved but this would not have been possible without the incredible backing of my fellow members and our loyal staff who I would like to thank wholeheartedly.

“I am confident that I leave the council in good financial shape; our finances and services are strong and in the face of significant grant reductions we have managed to freeze the council tax for the last five years.

“Together with Chiltern District Council we have led the way in joining up many of our services improving the quality and resilience and lowering the cost to the public in real terms. I will, of course, continue to give the councils my full support.”

SBDC deputy leader, Cllr Roger Reed, said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Adrian over the last 12 years. “We have achieved much with him as leader. I want to thank him for all he has done, and all that I know he will continue to do in the years to come.”

Leader of Chiltern District Council, Isobel Darby, added: “Adrian bows out having achieved so much for the districts. We would not be in such a strong position today were it not for his inspirational leadership and support.”

Cllr Busby will continue his role as a Buckinghamshire County Councillor for Beaconsfield and as chairman of the Bucks and Milton Keynes Combined Fire Authority.

He said: “At the end of the day councillors are public servant and we are here to help even though I never know what will come out of the next email or phone call.

“I always do what I can to support the people of Beaconsfield and the rest of the district and hope to continue this.”