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

An important step has been taken, but now the groundwork begins

With the seasonal break approaching, many councils will be hoping for a period of rest and recuperation, but in reality, they know there’s no time to waste, say Claire Ward, partner, and Sue Bearman, legal director at Anthony Collins.

Most Popular News

‘Racist and bigoted’ social media posting claims spark probe into Reform council[...]

Commissioners to remain at ‘fragile’ Birmingham City Council

Data copied in cyber attack

Three combined authorities receive £500,000 each to tackle educational inequality

Councils get new powers to hand contracts to local suppliers

New Products

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

New partnership drives improved air quality and healthier homes in social housing

ShuttleID launches 90-day free trial for local authorities

Case Studies

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

Croydon Council selects integrated corporate GIS to improve efficiencies

Company Anouncements

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

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Lucy Zodion recognised as sustainability leader with Build Back Better GREEN Award for HAWK3

Managing Director

Circa £115,000 (subject to negotiation) plus benefits

Cheshire West Recycling is a wholly owned company of Cheshire West and Chester Council, operating with a clear social and environmental purpose. Chester, Cheshire

Recuriter: Cheshire West Recycling