Hampshire councillor quits senior executive post '˜to avoid conflict over Solent devolution deal'

Cllr Sean Woodward has stood down from the position to avoid any ‘possible perception of a conflict of interest’ in the run-up to an expected announcement of a Solent combined authority.

Cllr Woodward says he wouldn’t want people to think he would be making transport decisions solely benefiting the Solent region as opposed to northern parts of the county.

He will remain a county councillor and the leader of Fareham Borough Council.

Cllr Sean Woodward said: ‘While I have very much enjoyed fulfilling my role as the executive member for economy, transport and environment over the past three years, neither I nor the county council can afford any potential for suggestion that I may favour one part of Hampshire over another while negotiations are ongoing around a possible devolution deal for South Hampshire.’