The leader of Westminster City Council, Baroness Couttie, has announced her decision to step down from the post. 

Announcing her plans, Baroness Couttie said she had hoped to continue as leader of the council when she took up her seat in the House of Lords just six weeks ago, but she added: ‘I have a fuller understanding of the time commitments required and how that will impact on my ability to discharge my duties as leader.