Highways and transport cabinet member says he has 'let down the people of Maidenhead' as he steps down

Cllr Colin Rayner has stepped down from his role as lead member for highways and transport.

Cllr Rayner (Con, Horton and Wraysbury) said he has ‘let down the people of Maidenhead’ after problems with the Nicholsons car park system and the overspend on the Stafferton Way link road.

He said: “It was my decision to step down, I had to take full responsibility, I am a man of my word and a man of honour.

“This was not the system they promised, they can’t get things right and it’s not the officers’ fault, I have to take responsibility and I cannot carry on being an embarrassment to the council.

“In hindsight I would not recommend this machine to my worst enemy, I let down the people of Maidenhead.

“I can’t have that number of failures on my record, I am a man of principle.”

Cllr Rayner has confirmed he will now sit on the backbench and will not be returning to cabinet.

Cllr George Bathurst (Con, Sunninghill and South Ascot) has also announced he will be resigning as a councillor so he can focus on his Windsor Link Railway project.

He said: “I think it’s always difficult to leave the council but when you’ve got a new leader I think that’s a good opportunity to do that.”