A COUNCILLOR has undergone an operation to remove a brain tumour.
Friends said that outspoken Stockton borough councillor Stephen Smailes was recovering well from surgery.
A former mayor of Stockton, where he is leader of the opposition Tory group, Coun Smailes represents the town's Hartburn ward, being first elected 38 years ago.
The avid cricket fan has told visitors to his hospital bed that he wants to get back to working for his ward.
A statement released to The Northern Echo, at the weekend, said that Coun Smailes was progressing well, but would not be available for council work until after Christmas.
Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Jennie Beaumont, a good friend of Coun Smailes, said: "I was delighted that Coun Smailes's operation was very successful and that he is already getting bored, sitting in hospital, saying he wants to get back on his feet as quickly as possible."
Hartburn residents are asked to contact Councillor Ken Lupton, who will act as caretaker leader of the council's opposition Tory group until Coun Smailes is fit enough to take charge again.
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