AN EMOTIONAL Clyde Loakes officially stepped down as council leader last night, saying he has "loved every minute" of his leadership.

Cllr Loakes is stepping aside to contest the Northampton South parliamentary seat at the next general election.

At last night's council meeting he said: "Over the last six years this authority has transformed itself from a local government basket case to one of the best councils in the country."

Cllr Loakes listed what he considers to be the council's achivements since he took over in 2003, including being the only council to move from one stars to four stars in audit commission ratings.

He said: "There are those who dismiss these (audit commission ratings) as professional navel-gazing, but they miss a vital point.

"As a result of this improvement we have the ability and influence to make lasting changes to vital services."

He also cited the Cathall construction skills centre, Building Schools for the Future (the Goverment plan to rebuild secondary schools), improvements to children's services, and better financial management as examples of success under his leadership.

Cllr Loakes, who is still the youngest council leader in the country, said it is shame more young people are not engaging in civic duties.

He added: " I am looking forward to Northampton South but I have loved every minute of Waltham Forest.

"This year I can't wait to get back to transport liasion," he joked, referring to one of his less glamourous duties as a backbench councillor over the next 12 months.

Cllr John Macklin, Lib Dem group leader praised Cllr Loakes but said the reason the authority was four star was because "Lib Dems are involved".

Cllr Davis, leader of the Conservative group, said Cllr Loakes had always acted in what he believed to be the best interests of the people in the borough.

New leader Cllr Chris Robbins paid tribute to Cllr Loakes leadership saying the authority's reputation has "soared" under his watch.

He said his priorities as leader over the next 12 months would be helping the most vulnerable people, targeting anti-social behaviour and improving education.