bitternepark.info can reveal that Peter Baillie, a Bitterne Park Conservative councillor since 2002, has decided to step down from Southampton City Council in May this year.

During his time on the council Cllr Baillie has been the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and, until 2012, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration.

Peter said: “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Bitterne Park and I have enjoyed every minute of my time on the council. I feel the time is right to move on to other challenges.

"I would like to thank the people of Bitterne Park for allowing me to represent them, the officers of the council for their unfailing help and courtesy over the years, and my group for being so encouraging and trusting, especially when I was in the Cabinet. Lastly, I must thank my long time friend and colleague Royston Smith – an inspirational leader of our group and of the City who has always been so supportive.”

Conservative Group Leader Royston Smith paid tribute to Peter, saying: “Peter and I have been friends for years and we have both come along way since our days as traders in Bitterne Park Triangle. He was a great asset to our group and his forensic mind and sharp wit will be missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him. We wish him luck in his future endeavours away from politics.”

Former Bitterne Ward councillor David Fuller will contest the seat for the Tories on May 7.

He said: “Councillor Baillie will be a hard act to follow but my previous experience as a councillor will stand me in good stead. Having worked with the Bitterne Park councillors for a number of years I am well aware of the issues facing Bitterne Park.” 

John Jordan Andrew Godsell will be the Labour candidate at the May local election.