ENVIRONMENT boss Faryad Hussain has stood down from Blackburn with Darwen council’s ruling executive board after his wife Parveen Begum broke her arm on a family visit to Pakistan.

His decision led to borough leader Kate Hollern, who was re-elected as leader unopposed, conducting a major reshuffle of her Cabinet with 68-year-old schools chief Tony Humphrys dropped from the top team.

Father-of-six Coun Hussain, who represents Queen’s Park, said: “My wife broke her arm in Kashmir, Pakistan on a family visit in February. It has not knitted properly. She is now having it reset. I have spent the last two months over there and may have to go back.

“I told Kate my family comes first and I could not fulfil my executive duties properly. I hope to come back later.”

Coun Hussain is replaced by planning chairman and Mill Hill councillor Jim Smith joining the executive board for the first time.

Shadsworth with Whitebirk councillor Humphrys leaves the top team altogether, replaced by current regeneration chief Dave Harling.

His job goes to Maureen Bateson whose children’s services’ job goes to another veteran, Marsh House’s Frank Connor.

Coun Humphrys said: “It’s not what I wanted, but at 68 I accept it. I had hoped to see the reorganisation of schools through. I have 12 months to decide whether I want to stand as a councillor again.”

Ewood councillor Bateson said: “This was not what I expected. I have really enjoyed my time as executive member of children’s services which is where my heart and passion are. Kate and I had several meetings about this and discussed what she wanted me to do and I accepted it.

“It is an exciting challenge with so much going on regenerating the town where I have lived all my life.”