A new leader for Richmond Council has been proposed following councillor Nicholas True’s resignation announcement last week.

Cllr Paul Hodgins, who has been a councillor since 2006, has been recommended by the Conservative group to be the new leader of the council, from July 4.

The proposal succeeds the announcement last week that Cllr True, leader of Richmond Council since 2010, will be not be seeking re-election and step down from his position next week.

Lord True said: "Paul Hodgins has been instrumental in implementing our vision for educational improvement including the introduction of sixth form choice for young people in borough and the creation of over 5,000 new school places.

“Thousands of young people and parents on this borough owe him a debt of gratitude for his work so far.

“I am certain he will be an outstanding Leader of this borough and it will be a privilege that my last act as Leader will be to propose his name as my successor".

Cllr Hodgins, who represents Barnes Ward, first became a Cabinet Member for Schools in 2010 and had his role expanded in 2014 as a strategic Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Schools.

The cabinet member said: “Nicholas True has given great leadership and vision to this borough - he has been a great mentor and leader of the Conservative Group and I want to thank him for the dedication and leadership he has shown.

“We will now build on the successes that Nick has led and continue to deliver our vision, which includes strengthening our communities, caring for our most vulnerable, and delivering outstanding schools for all our young people.”

Cllr Hodgins will be formally proposed as Leader at the full Council meeting on July 4.