SIR Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, the Conservative leader of Kent County Council, is to step down from the post after eight years at the helm.

Sir Sandy, who announced his decision on Monday at County Hall, is regarded as one of the most influential and high-profile local government leaders in the country.

He is also credited with reversing the fortunes of KCC and transforming it into one of the best-performing and best-known councils in the country.

He is to continue in his national role of chairman of the Local Government Association and will remain a county councillor.

His decision paves the way for a leadership contest likely to feature some of KCC’s leading cabinet members.

Sir Sandy said the time was right to hand over the reins and heaped praise on his fellow councillors and staff. He said it had been a tremendous honour and privilege to lead the authority.

"I want to thank all members, officers and front-line staff who have, over eight years, transformed KCC and its services from the bottom of the league tables of performance to the top. They have achieved this through their hard work, initiative and dedication to public services across Kent," he said.

He added: "Today, the county council is an outstanding organisation, quietly confident in its ability, sure in its beliefs, and certain in its direction."

He was confident that KCC would continue to be at the forefront of local government.

"I have every confidence in this council for the future. Kent is a unique and wonderful county, full of special places and special people. Local government is never easy, but I have served Kent to the best of my ability. It has been the very greatest privilege and honour to be able to serve this council and my county."

Sir Sandy, who represents the Maidstone Rural West division and manages a fruit farm in Headcorn, became leader of the Conservative group 12 years ago, when the authority was briefly run by a Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition.

He has championed Kent’s interests assiduously over the years and has taken a leading role in the campaign to safeguard the county against excessive development. He has also been a highly effective campaigner in the quest to ensure Kent was not short-changed by the government when it came to funding.

A new leader of the council will be elected in October.