THE leader of Folkestone-based Shepway District Council has resigned. Liberal Democrat Linda Cufley handed in her notice to chief executive Brian McAndrew today and it will take effect from midday on Thursday next week.

Pressure had been put on Cllr Cufley after a group of 15 of her councillors signed a letter asking her to go last week. There was due to be a vote of no confidence on Friday.

It follows unpopular decisions made under her leadership, including the closure of Shepway's toilets.

A cabinet meeting will take place in the morning to decide what happens to the remainder of the cabinet and arrangements are now being made to elect a new leader. This will happen at a meeting of the full council, a date for which has yet to be confirmed.

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S FOLKESTONE AND HYTHE AND ROMNEY MARSH EDITIONS OF THE KENTISH EXPRESS