THE Forest of Dean's torn and troubled Tory party received another blow this week with the news that, far from being pushed, group leader and council chief Marion Winship had already decided to quit.

Cllr Winship told Conservative members close to her that she intended to call it a day and would stand down as leader of the Tory group after the Mitcheldean by-election.

Speaking to the Review this week, Cllr Winship said the decision had been made following full consultation with her family who had become concerned that stress was leading to a deterioration in her health.

She told the Review she had been officially signed off as unwell,

Cllr Winship acknowledged there had been many behind-the-scenes discussions which had led to gossip and uncertainty.

She said: "As a group we did much to improve the standing of the council and I am proud to say we took significant steps to successfully drive things forward. This was recognised by the Audit Commission who have acknowledged we are improving."

Cllr Winship said that for the moment she was undecided on her future.

"At this stage I do not want to comment further on council affairs. As a family we have discussed many options and understandably I have to be guided by them. As far as everyone is concerned my health comes first," she said