The leader of the Warwickshire Liberal Democrat group has stepped down from the role, but will stay on as a councillor at Shire Hall.

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse has announced he is standing down as leader, with Cllr Sarah Boad elected to succeed him and Cllr George Cowcher elected as deputy leader following the group's AGM last week.

While a reason for the move was not confirmed by the Lib Dem group, Cllr Roodhouse said in a statement "this is the right time for me to stand down from this role".

The councillor for Eastlands in Rugby said he remains "fully committed" to the group and will continue "campaigning actively on behalf of our communities".

"Following the Liberal Democrat AGM, I am delighted that Councillor Sarah Boad will now be taking over as Group Leader," the statement said.

"She brings energy, commitment, and a clear vision for the future, and I know the group will be in very capable hands.

"With Cllr George Cowcher as deputy leader, together they are a pair of experienced hands who can challenge the administration. 

"With significant changes to local government on the horizon, I believe it is important for the next generation of leadership to take the Liberal Democrats forward and shape our response to these reforms. 

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"For my part, I will now be focusing my efforts on key local priorities. 

"In particular, I will be campaigning for meaningful Local Government reform, including the establishment of a Rugby Town Council to strengthen local representation and accountability, and for improving access to health services, taking my experience of the NHS to those who make the decisions. 

"I will also continue to advocate strongly for improved cancer services across Warwickshire and for improved health provision for Rugby residents, ensuring that the patient voice is heard clearly in decision-making."

With 14 councillors, the Lib Dems are the main opposition at Warwickshire County Council.

Cllr Boad said: "It is an honour to be elected by my colleagues to lead this group, and I want to thank Jerry for his leadership over the past year and for the dedication he has shown to our communities.

"He leaves the group in strong shape, and I know he will continue to be a powerful voice for Rugby and for Warwickshire. 

"Over the past year we have shown what principled and constructive opposition looks like, proposing solutions as well as challenging the administration, and that is exactly the approach we will continue to take.

"Warwickshire faces real decisions in the months ahead; on Local Government reorganisation, on adult social care, on SEND, on the future of our schools and our high streets.  

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"Residents deserve a council that listens, plans properly and delivers.

"Where the administration gets things right, we will say so. Where they get things wrong, we will hold them to account, and we will keep putting forward Liberal Democrat ideas for a fairer, better-run Warwickshire."