TORY councillor Mike Carver has quit as leader of East Herts District Council. He said that after almost five years in the job he wants to take on new challenges. Cllr Carver, 56, will continue to be a member of the council's executive. He said: From an

TORY councillor Mike Carver has quit as leader of East Herts District Council. He said that after almost five years in the job he wants to take on new challenges. Cllr Carver, 56, will continue to be a member of the council's executive. He said: "From an East Herts point of view I will focus all my attention on the proposed airport developments on both our east and west borders as well as the huge housing threats proposed within the growth plans in the M11 corridor. He said: "Having dedicated my time to serve our community, I now feel it's time for a change. "I believe that this is the point in time where a good leader recognises the need to step aside and allow someone else take up the challenge with a new style and a new energy." Deputy leader Cllr Tony Jackson, 51, will assume leadership responsibilities until a new leader is elected in March. Cllr Jackson, who was elected to the district council in May 1999, said: "As deputy leader there have been many circumstances when I have been the council's political representative at events and meetings. "I will now be doing so on more occasions as acting leader. I'm looking forward to stepping up to that challenge.