Babergh District Council announced today that its leader Cllr David Busby has been forced to take a break from council business due to health issues, with Cllr John Ward acting up temporarily into the leader's role. 

The changes follow a recent cancer diagnosis for Cllr Busby, requiring surgery and ongoing treatment. 

Deputy leader Cllr John Ward will become acting council leader during Cllr Busby's absence, with Cllr Deborah Saw remaining as deputy leader and Babergh's power-sharing coalition, agreed following May's local elections, continuing.

Fellow cabinet member and Ganges ward member Derek Davis has vowed to support councillor Busby in any way he can.

He said: "Dave is one of those rare councillors who actually knows what he is talking about most of the time, has terrific sense of humour and genuinely cares about people above politics.

"We may not agree on everything but it's an honour to serve on his cabinet for the benefit of everyone at Babergh and I know he will get through this so we can enjoy a post meeting pint at The Brook once again."

There are likely to be knock-on changes to Cabinet portfolio arrangements with a further announcement expected over coming days. 

Councillor colleagues will be stepping in to help support Cllr Busby's constituents and parishes in his Copdock and Washbrook ward with any local issues during his treatment.

Cllr Ward said: "We all wish Cllr Busby a full and speedy recovery and look forward to his return as soon as he feels ready."