KEIGHLEY’S town mayor will not stand for re-election as a councillor in May.

Graham Mitchell, a founding member of Keighley Town Council who represents Oakworth ward, said he would be stepping down after 13 years’ service.

He stressed he made the decision to leave many months ago, and that his departure has nothing to do with the problems currently facing the council and its civic centre in North Street.

Cllr Mitchell said: “I had always planned to stand down.

“My decision to retire is not affected at all by what has happened in the last 12 months.”