Chair of the Local Government Association, Cllr David Sparks, has stood down with immediate effect from his role as leader of Dudley MBC to focus on his national responsibility, it has emerged.

The announcement follows concerns about Cllr Sparks workload after he collapsed giving evidence to a Commons committee earlier this month.

Cllr Sparks said the timing of his announcement would allow Dudley to start the New Year with a refreshed leadership team - the authority having recently appointed a new chief executive and cut senior management - as it strives to forge a combined authority in the West Midlands.