Waltham Forest council leader Chris Robbins will stand down from his post next year.

Cllr Robins, who has led the local authority for almost eight years, will step away from the role in May 2017

The leader made the announcement at a meeting yesterday evening (Thursday, December 15).

He said: “I am very proud to have led this council for the past eight years and strongly believe the Council has achieved a great deal since 2009.

“Despite the challenging financial situation, we are financially stable and have built a strong reputation with our residents and with the rest of London.

“By working together we have delivered a number of successes over the years.

“It is therefore the right time to let someone else take the reins, and I am confident the next Leader of the council takes over a borough with much to look forward to and that they will continue to build on our achievements.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the years.

“We could not have achieved as much as we have without working in partnership with the community and with other organisations.”

Cllr Robbins was first elected to the council in 2002 as a representative for Grove Green. He has lived in Leyton for more than 40 years and will continue as a ward councillor.

He led the council during the London Olympic Games in 2012, when Waltham Forest was a host borough.

His regime also brought the controversial Mini Holland cycle scheme to the borough.

Cllr Robbins was subject to several protests over road closed to traffic under the scheme, which was first launched in Walthamstow in September last year.

Council chief executive, Martin Esom, said: “Chris has been an outstanding Leader for Waltham Forest with his roots firmly placed in the borough he loves.

“Through dedication and determination, he has delivered much for our citizens. It is an absolute privilege to know Chris and to have worked with him over the past seven years.”