A CONTROVERSIAL council leader is to stand down, weeks after describing three female officers as "nice bits of stuff."

Tommy Taylor, the Liberal Democrat leader of Wear Valley District Council, will relinquish the post he has held since last August, at a full council meeting on Monday night.

He insists that the national storm - and calls for him to resign - following his comments were not behind his decision, and that he still stands by his remark.

The 67-year-old, who has been involved in local government for more than 30 years, instead cited ill-heath, although he will continue to serve as a councillor.

"It is purely and simply down to my health," said Councillor Taylor, who made the comment about council workers Natalie Drew, Catherine Price and Julie Tyrie at a meeting in March after seeing a photograph of them at an awards ceremony in The Northern Echo.

"People will put two and two together and come up with five.

"But I think I've won that case hands down. The proof is in the pudding.

"I've received 200 phone calls in support and had 100 emails. They were all in support, and none against. That speaks for itself."

Coun Taylor, who is the district's equalities and diversities champion, added: "As long as I'm a councillor they'll always be cracking bits of stuff to me.

"This equality and diversity isn't going to change that."

He faced calls from Labour opponents to consider his position as council leader last month, but insisted he had intended to compliment the women, who said they were not offended.

Unless his health deteriorates further, he intends to remain a Wear Valley district councillor until it becomes a new unitary authority next year, and then represent the new body until the expected 2010 elections.

"I had a meeting with the chief executive (Gary Ridley) three or four weeks ago and told him of my intentions,"

said Coun Taylor.

"I've got bad angina, and had a bit of a mild stroke. My GP said that it's a bit of a warning.

"Wild horses wouldn't have got me out of that job if I'd had the age and health to go with it, but I feel I can't do it justice and my health has to come first."

The meeting to determine his successor as council leader will be held on Monday at the Civic Centre in Crook, County Durham, at 5.30pm.