Cllr Mohammed Farooq has resigned as leader of Peterborough City Council.

In a statement issued today (May 20), Cllr Farooq said that it has been his "privilege" to lead the minority administration of Peterborough City Council since November 2023.

Cllr Farooq held the top jobs for six months before he stepped down.

He resigns just hours before the Annual Council meeting, held at Peterborough City Council, this evening.

Cllr Farooq said that he and his team "hit the ground running" when he took over in November, and said that he'd made "good progress in many areas."

He credited the council's work on improving their children services Ofsted grade, as well as combatting homelessness in the city.

However, he said: "There remain some very tough and embarrassing decisions to be made on matters that are a legacy of the previous administration.

"Any incoming administration will find it needs heavy and broad shoulders to carry the legacy burden that still affects decision making in this council."

Cllr Farooq said that his resignation comes "in light of recent elections, where every party is a minority".

He instructed members in the Chamber tonight to choose a new leader.