Cornwall Council cabinet member Alex Folkes has stood down to "deal with a personal issue".

Mr Folkes, a member of the Lib Dem group on the authority and the portfolio holder for finance and resources has hit the headlines in the past over his repeated non-payment of council tax. At the time he refused to consider his position.

Writing on his blog, Mr Folkes said: "I would like to say what an honour it has been to be part of Cornwall's cabinet. I believe that we have achieved a huge amount. The new budget is extremely tough but I believe that it is the fairest and best way of addressing the challenge that Cornwall faces over the next four years.

"We have managed to cut huge amounts of waste in order to focus on high quality front line services and I believe we have done our best for Cornwall.

"I hope and expect to be able to address the personal issues I am dealing with and one day to be in a position to regain my seat at cabinet. But that is for sometime in the future. In the meantime I wish you and my other colleagues well. I thank you all for your support, but particularly Jeremy who has been unflinching in his support and advice throughout our time on the council."

"I will continue to work my hardest for the people of Launceston."

A council spokesman said: “The Leader of Cornwall Council John Pollard has confirmed that Alex Folkes has stepped down from the Cabinet to deal with a personal issue. In the interim Mr Pollard will take over responsibilities for the Finance and Resources portfolio.’’