The leader of Three Rivers District Council has stepped down from her role.

Councillor Sara Bedford has left her position and will be replaced by her Liberal Democrat colleague Sarah Nelmes.

An emotional Cllr Bedford said it was “not something she wanted to do but something she needed to do” as she announced her resignation as leader at a full council meeting tonight.

Cllr Bedford, who became leader four years ago, said she was “proud” by what she and the council had achieved between then and now.

She is expected to release a full statement tomorrow but said that she is stepping down for health reasons.

The Abbots Langley and Bedmond councillor says she will continue to support her residents in her ward but she has been granted a leave of absence by the council of six months.

The new leader of the council is Sarah Nelmes and she will deputised by Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst.

More reaction to follow tomorrow.