A former housing chief has walked away from his Babergh District Council seat, claiming he was overlooked for a post promised him by the leader.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jennie Jenkins, leader of Babergh District Council. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNJennie Jenkins, leader of Babergh District Council. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Sudbury’s David Holland tendered his resignation in a letter to the chief executive – revealing he would also leave the town council.

Addressing councillors, Mr Holland said: “...due to recent events at Babergh, I have been sidelined and can no longer be personally effective – through the councils I sit on – in fighting for what I believe to be best for Sudbury.”

Mr Holland claimed the role of lead councillor for Sudbury Development had been assured to him by leader, Jennie Jenkins.

“This has not happened,” he added. “Whether or not you feel that I was the right person for that role, I had intended to fulfil it with my usual passion.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Babergh councillors Simon Barrett and David Holland (right). Picture: GREGG BROWNBabergh councillors Simon Barrett and David Holland (right). Picture: GREGG BROWN

He said a recent Babergh report to the town council had served as evidence that he had been “kept out of the loop” on developing proposals for Sudbury.

“This renders me ineffective,” he added. “There is no point occupying a seat on any council if I cannot deliver for those who elected me.

Mr Holland, who vowed to “work for the best interests of Sudbury in a different way”, said he expected Babergh decisions in the near future to run contrary to his manifesto pledges.

Babergh’s leader said she was sad to see Mr Holland go, but did not regret her choice.

“When making a decision, I have to look at all council members,” she said.

“I interviewed each to ensure they could do the job, and had time to do it.

“I’m really sorry to see him go and hope the decision has not been taken personally.”

Simon Barrett, a fellow Sudbury councillor, said he had considered his own position in light of Mr Holland’s resignation.

He added: “David is a good councillor who feels he has been sidelined. He feels he cannot get anything done and is concerned about the lack of leadership at Babergh.

“There is no vision for the future at Babergh; no vision for how we can help people. David felt that he could not work with the leadership or the people selected by the leader.

“She [Jennie Jenkins] has brought in this new cabinet system, and is sidelining everyone else and making it difficult to get things done.”