Norfolk County Council leader Cliff Jordan has resigned from the council with immediate effect, having been diagnosed with lung cancer.

In a personal statement, Mr Jordan said: 'Over the past few months I'm sure you are aware that I been suffering from health issues. To that end I have been undergoing tests to determine the cause of this.

'Yesterday, I received the devastating news that I have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Following this I have come to a decision that I will be stepping down from my role as leader of Norfolk County Council and as a county councillor to concentrate on my treatment and recovery.'

Following Mr Jordan's resignation, current deputy leader Alison Thomas will serve as leader until the full council next meets - which is scheduled to be on Monday, July 23.

She said: 'I have had the pleasure of working with Cliff Jordan as his deputy for the past three years and consider him not just a colleague but one of my closest friends.

'Keeping him in order has been one of my greatest challenges - most especially, persuading him to wear a tie on appropriate occasions.

'On a more serious note, I wish to acknowledge the huge amount of work and energy he has put into tackling the challenges the council faces.'

Steve Morphew, leader of the county council's Labour Group, said: 'We wish Cliff a speedy and successful recovery. Whatever our difference, we share a passion for Norfolk and I respect his commitment to what he believed in.

'Ill health is never the reason we want to see our opponents leave the political stage.'

Dan Roper, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, added: 'At these times we set politics aside and this is devastating for Cliff and his family - we wish him the very best.

'He has had to do what is best for himself and his family and I cannot disagree with his decision.'

Mr Jordan served as a member of the county council since 2001, having been a district councillor in Breckland since May 1991. He served as leader of Breckland District Council between 1998 and 2005.

Key dates

1991: Cliff Jordan is elected as a member of Breckland District Council

1998: Mr Jordan is elected leader of Breckland District Council

June 7, 2001: Following a change in division boundaries, Mr Jordan is elected to Norfolk County Council, representing the Yare and All Saints division.

May 5, 2005: Mr Jordan is re-elected to his division for the first time.

June 4, 2009: Mr Jordan is re-elected for a third term.

May 2, 2013: Mr Jordan holds his seat again.

March 20, 2014: Mr Jordan becomes leader of the local Conservative Group.

May 9, 2016: Mr Jordan is elected as leader of Norfolk County Council.

May 4, 2017: Mr Jordan is re-elected to the Yare and All Saints division for the final time.

May 15, 2017: Mr Jordan is elected leader of Norfolk County Council for a second year, with no other nominations made.

May 8, 2018: Mr Jordan is once again elected by councillors as leader, unopposed.

May 18, 2018: Mr Jordan announces his resignation from the council, after being diagnosed with lung cancer