An "extremely hardworking and ambitious" Potters Bar politician will step down from her Hertsmere Borough Council seat at next month's elections.

Warm tributes poured in from fellow councillors, who complimented cabinet member Rebecca Foy's nine years of dedication to her job.

Conservative council leader Morris Bright was elected as one of the "Hertsmere 13" on the same night as Mrs Foy, in May 1999.

He said: "Rebecca has always been passionate about her executive work and her contribution has been significant.

"On the night the Conservatives took back control of the council there was a great irony because, out of 20 of us, 13 of us were new, and we suddenly found ourselves running the council with all the hardened, experienced politicians on the other side.

"It was a real baptism of fire, but Rebecca was very good. We were both in our early 30s when we were elected and we were passionate. She will definitely leave a gap."

Councillor Ann Harrison, leader of the Labour group, described her as "a very hardworking councillor".

It is believed Mrs Foy, who has four young children, decided not to run again because of family pressures.

But councillor Robert Gamble, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, believes the issue might be more complicated.

He said: "She was an extremely competent and assertive councillor. To have been able to do everything she did and also bring up four children must be very difficult.

"She had a considerable grasp of local government. She was extremely ambitious and hard-working, and I can't believe she would have willingly stepped down.

"I think there must have been a conspiracy or plot against her. Like all these things, there were probably three or four factors involved.

"But she'll be back. I don't think we've seen the last of her."

Mark Shaw, spokesman for Hertsmere Conservative Association, said such rumours were unfounded.

He said: "There has been no conspiracy, no plot. It is a very sad loss for the council, but it is just one of those things when personal commitments have to come first. We wish Rebecca very well and would welcome her back in the future."

Mrs Foy's seat will be contested during the elections on May 1. She was unavailable for comment.