THE outspoken leader of an independent political group has stepped down due to ill health.

Cllr Jon Rathmell, independent councillor for Nunthorpe, has stepped down from his role as leader of Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association (MICA) citing health reasons.

Cllr Mick Saunders, independent councillor for Park End and Beckfield, will take over as MICA interim leader until the New Year when the situation will be reviewed.

Cllr Saunders said: “I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that due to Cllr Jon Rathmell’s continuing medical problems, he has decided to stand down as leader of MICA.

“I have been appointed interim leader of MICA as of Friday October 11.

“The MICA group will look at the situation in January 2020 and take any steps necessary at that time.”

He added: “At the meeting Cllr Rathmell said he didn’t feel able to commit himself to the leadership role given his ill health.

“If in January he’s fit and well, he will just resume his role as leader.”

Despite having stepped down as MICA group leader, it is understood that Cllr Rathmell will continue in his role as ward councillor.

During his time as MICA leader, Cllr Rathmell has become well-known for his confrontational style and dissenting behaviour both in and outside the council chamber.

Just last week the outspoken councillor was stripped of his chairmanship of the council’s Standards Committee after that same committee upheld three complaints against him due to his conduct during a Council meeting in January.

In the run-up to May’s local elections, Cllr Rathmell had been a prominent supporting voice in the Middlesbrough Mayor election campaign of independent Andy Preston.