SUFFOLK: County chiefs were today left picking up the pieces after Ipswich’s only cabinet member quit because he was not able to devote enough time to the job.

Paul West was appointed cabinet member with responsibility for the cabinet’s “Greenest County” initiative after last June’s elections.

But he resigned from the cabinet yesterday because he was not able to spend enough time on his cabinet work while running his successful letting agency in Ipswich.

He has been replaced by fellow Ipswich Conservative Judy Terry.

Mr West said: “The cabinet work really took three days a week. I could give one or two days a week to it - but I’m trying to build up my business.

“I wasn’t giving the council work the attention it needed and something had to go. I’m disappointed but Judy is up for the work and will do very well in the role.”

Mrs Terry sits on the borough’s executive where she is responsible for culture and leisure. She will continue in that role until May’s elections.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to joining the county cabinet. I know the pressure Paul was under, but I am confident I will be able to fit this role into my work.”

County council leader Jeremy Pembroke was disappointed to lose Mr West, but understood his reasons for quitting the cabinet.

He said: “Paul had been doing a very good job, but I understand how important it is to develop your business so I can understand his decision.

“He will remain a very valuable backbench member of the Conservative group.”