Laura Sharman 05 January 2016

Council leader to step down in wake of drink-driving charge

The leader of Worcestershire County Council has confirmed he will step down from his role after being caught drink-driving.

Cllr Adrian Hardman - who was caught drink-driving by police on 22 December in Tewkesbury – admitted he had made a ‘gross misjudgement’ and would be standing down as council leader later this month.

In a statement, cllr Hardman said: ‘Drinking and driving was a gross misjudgement on my part and I would like to apologise. In doing so I have fallen short of the standards that I set for myself and those that I expect from my fellow Worcestershire County Councillors.

‘I will therefore be standing down as leader at the next Full Council meeting on January 14th.

He added he would be pleading guilty in court when he appears at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 18 January.

#Police

Analysis

Better Results, Smarter Spending: AllChild in Wigan

Wigan Council and AllChild are proving that long-term, community-driven programmes can improve outcomes for children while reducing pressure on local services and public spending. LocalGov finds out more.

Opinion

What the new cross-border placement rules in Scotland mean

In this expert analysis, Ellen Bond, MFMac’s Family Law team, outlines what the new Cross-border Placement of Children Regulations 2026 will mean for councils.

Most Popular News

EXCLUSIVE: Pay spine review kicks off

Local government reorganisation in Essex 'over'

Weapons seized in Manchester Central Mosque incident

Deputy leader apologises for sharing violent post about MP

Three councils fail to meet consumer standards

New Products

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Project Controller

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

£44,773 - £62,451 per annum

Job Title

Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer

£37,602 - £45,564 per annum

Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer Fixed term – expiring 10th August 2027 Salary - £37,602 - £44,235 per annum Full time 36Hours Location – 2nd Floor Bridas House, 90 Putney Bridge Road, London, SW18 1HR (secondary location Twickenham Civ Wandsworth, London

Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth