The leader of the largest opposition group on Herefordshire Council is stepping down – the second group leader to go in a week.

Independent group leader Councillor Bob Matthews confirmed this morning (Thurs) that he is leaving a role that has been his - unopposed - for the past 10 years.

Previously, he had served for four years as deputy group leader. When re-elected as leader last year, Coun Matthews told the group he would serve for another 12 months only. He said he felt “gratified” that the Independents had remained the second largest group on the council throughout his leadership.

Coun Matthews intends to continue in his role as ward councillor for Credenhill until the 2015 local elections. He has chaired the council’s regulatory committee and environment scrutiny committee.

As yet, no obvious successors to Coun Matthews have emerged within the Independent Group. Councillor Alan Seldon has the highest profile as chairman of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, he was elected as a Bromyard councillor in 2007.

Last week council leader and Tory group leader councillor John Jarvis confirmed he was stepping down for “health reasons”. The Tory group meets on May 9 to elect a new leader with cabinet councillors Graham Powell, Philip Price, and Tony Johnson in the running.

A meeting of the Independent group will be held later this month - for more information click here.

To read more about councillor John Jarvis stepping down, click here.