IPSWICH mayor Henry Davies is today recovering in hospital after being taken ill.Mr Davies was taken ill ten days ago and is awaiting the result of tests in Papworth Hospital near Cambridge.

By Paul Geater

IPSWICH mayor Henry Davies is today recovering in hospital after being taken ill.

Mr Davies was taken ill ten days ago and is awaiting the result of tests in Papworth Hospital near Cambridge.

His condition is not causing immediate concern to his family and his mayoral duties are currently being undertaken by deputy mayor Bill Wright.

A spokesman for Ipswich council said: “Everyone is wishing the mayor a speedy recovery and hoping that he is soon back on his feet and able to resume his duties.

“He is currently awaiting the result of tests and our thoughts are with him and his family.

“They know about all the messages of good will that have been sent to him over the last few days and are keen that everyone should know that those messages are appreciated.”

Mr Wright has been able to take on as many of the mayor's engagements as possible, but some engagements may have to be rearranged as a result of Mr Davies' illness.

Mr Davies was elected mayor in May last year, only the second Conservative mayor of the borough since 1979.

He has been a member of the borough council since 1988, initially for the old Broomhill ward and more recently representing Castle Hill. He has a son, a daughter, and three grandsons.

He and mayoress Pauline have been a popular couple during his mayoralty - and have attended a large number of official and social events.

Mr Wright is expected to chair the full meeting of the full council next week, which is due to set the new council tax level for homes in the borough.

Mr Davies' year in office is due to come to an end after May's local council elections, after which he is due to serve as deputy mayor next year.