THE leader of Trafford council, Susan Williams, will quit her post in May.

Ms Williams, who became the youngest person to lead the council when she took over in 2004, is standing down to focus on her bid to win the Bolton West parliamentary seat at the next general election.

Matt Colledge, Greater Manchester's transport supremo, is set to take her place. Mr Colledge is currently Ms Williams' deputy, as well as being the chairman of the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA). He is due to leave his transport post in June as part of a power-sharing deal with the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Colledge told the MEN last night he would stand for leadership of the Conservative group on Trafford council, when Ms Williams stands down in May. His appointment as council leader would then be rubber-stamped at the town hall's annual general meeting.

Ms Williams took control of Trafford council in 2004, when the Conservatives unseated Labour. She rapidly built a reputation as a pragmatist who was prepared to work with Labour and Liberal Democrat council leaders in the region.

But she also stood her ground on a number of high-profile issues - including, most significantly, plans to introduce a congestion charge in Greater Manchester in return for nearly £3bn of spending on public transport.

Ms Williams became one of the most recognisable figures in the 'no' campaign camp, alongside Graham Stringer, the Labour MP for Manchester Blackley.

The Bolton West seat is currently held by former transport and education secretary Ruth Kelly. She too is stepping down at the next election - with union worker Ruth Hilling, of Atherton, selected to fight the seat for Labour from an all-woman shortlist.

Mum-of-three Ms Williams - who lists her hobbies as gardening, reading and pool - unsuccessfully stood against Paul Goggins in Wythenshawe and Sale East at the 2001 election.

Mr Colledge, who steered GMITA through the divisive congestion-charge referendum, said: "Susan's achievements have been significant.

"The problems Trafford had when she took over were well-documented and we have turned that around.

"I most definitely intend to put my name forward to replace her."

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