The coal miner’s son who has served the people of Bedfordshire as a councillor for more than a decade has this week stepped down.

Former Conservative deputy leader and executive member for health Maurice Jones, who represented Biggleswade North, resigned on Friday.

Maurice was first elected to Mid Beds Council in 2004 and, after a short period as a backbencher, was appointed executive member for finance.

Working with an officer/member committee, successful structural changes were made to reduce the budget deficit and build up council finances.

In 2007, Maurice was part of the Mid Beds team that worked with South Beds and county colleagues to develop the successful unitary bid.

When the shadow council was formed in 2008, he was appointed executive member for resources and oversaw development of Central Bedfordshire’s Council first budget. A year later he was elected to Central Bedfordshire Council and appointed executive member for finance.

Central Beds Council leader Councillor James Jamieson said: “Maurice is a deeply committed and experienced councillor who has served his community well over many years.

“He has been an exceptional deputy leader to our group and to me personally, never failing to give great advice and wise counsel when it has been necessary.

“We will miss these characteristics, his warmth and his humour.

“Most importantly of all we wish Maurice, his wife and his family all good wishes in the next chapter of their lives”

Mr Jones, who is 75, was born in the industrial town of Nuneaton in Warwickshire.

The son of a miner and a mill worker, he had a comprehensive school education before becoming an apprentice electrical engineer at a nearby foundry, where he worked his way up to become a chartered engineer.

He joined the computer company ICT in 1964, starting a career in the industry which lasted for almost 40 years progressing from design engineer to technical manager, general manager and finally managing director.

He was also made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Northampton.