OPPOSITION leaders have paid tribute to the retiring Conservative group chairman and Penistone councillor Alec Rowley.

Coun Rowley, 73, is standing down next week after eight years as a Penistone member and three years as the leader of Barnsley’s Conservatives.

Council and Labour leader Steve Houghton said: “While we are of different political views Alec Rowley has always shown himself to be a man of honesty and integrity. He always put Penistone and Barnsley before party politics and is incredibly hard working and dedicated.”

Liberal group leader Coun Ian Guest also praised his character.

He said: “He is a gentleman. He put the community first, asked searching questions and worked with us through difficult times and times of great change. It was a pleasure to work with him and (the late) George Punt.”

Coun Rowley, who was also chairman of the children’s services scrutiny, is looking forward to his retirement but admits it will be wrench to leave his civic duties behind.

And he intends to maintain a back seat interest in local issues, particularly the Remaking education project.

Coun Rowley added: “I would like to think I've been critical but constructive over the years, anyone can offer yahoo politics but that's not my style.”