THE leader of Cumbria County Council has died.
Jim Buchanan, 67, died in his sleep at his family home in Aspatria last night just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Coun Buchanan, a Conservative and former vet who became leader of the county council following local elections last year, announced he was stepping down last month.
He was due to be replaced at the council's Annual General Meeting on April 22.
Cumbria County Council's chief executive Jill Stannard said: “It's extremely sad news. We are all stunned by how quickly Jim declined.
"The fact that Jim was still working full-time as our leader just last month shows how strong he remained until the end.
"He was a fighter, enormously respected by both officers and members, and he remained committed to improving services for Cumbrians.”
Deputy Leader Stewart Young, of Labour, will continue as acting leader until a new leader is elected at the next full council meeting.
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