POLITICIANS of all parties spoke of "the end of an era" today as former City of York Council leader Rod Hills stood down.

The heads of York's Tory and Liberal Democrat groups remembered a forceful and committed councillor who served the city as a Labour councillor for 24 years.

Despite major political differences, all considered Coun Hills with respect.

His career's end was confirmed yesterday when his name was not among the list of candidates when nominations closed for May's local elections.

Coun Hills' main sparring partner, Liberal Democrat leader Coun Steve Galloway, said: "This is completely the end of an era.

"Rod Hills was always a very robust debater who was intellectually very capable and determined. There is no doubt he was very influential in getting some of the changes that we have seen in the city."

Conservative leader Coun John Galvin said: "He is going to be missed on the local government scene.

"He always dealt with me in an honest manner and was always frank and a man of his word as far as I was concerned."

Coun Hills, 56, who represented Clifton, was suspended from the Labour Party after he was arrested in connection with a string of offences last year, including blackmail, soliciting women for prostitution, perverting the course of justice and witness intimidation.

He was convicted of dangerous driving, but cleared of all other charges.

He was also investigated in connection with the death of his wife Carol Wallace, also a councillor, after a fall at their Huntington Road home. But last week police announced the inquiry had been dropped.

Coun Hills previously said he had considered standing as an independent candidate in the next election, and had expressed resentment at his treatment by the Labour Party.

But Coun Dave Merrett, Coun Hills' successor as Labour group leader, said he thought his decision not to stand had been made for personal reasons.

Coun Merrett said: "When the history of modern York is written, there is no doubt that Rod will have a key role in it.

"He has dominated the council for most of the last quarter of a century, he led the Labour group to victory after victory and he turned a sleepy, do-nothing second-tier local authority into one of the best in the country.

"It has been a tremendous record and his achievements speak for themselves.

"I hope Rod can look back, not withstanding the tragedies and tribulations of recent years, with pride."

Coun Hills' achievements included leading the council through its change into a unitary authority, recognised as one of the country's leaders in housing, education and children's services and transport.

Coun Hills was unavailable for comment today.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 14:26 Wednesday, April 02, 2003