WAVERLEY deputy leader Julia Potts confirmed this week that borough council leader Robert Knowles is stepping down in May.

Rumours circulated that Miss Potts had been elected at the Conservative group meeting at the borough council, pending resolution at the May annual council meeting, but had not been confirmed, because the meeting was confidential.

Miss Potts told The Herald on Tuesday: “I can confirm that councillor Robert Knowles will be retiring as leader of Waverley Borough Council in May. He remains leader of the council until that time, and will then continue his role representing Haslemere East and Grayswood.”

Mr Knowles, who worked for 39 years for Surrey Police as both police officer and civilian, has been a borough councillor since 2007 and took over as leader in 2010.