Deputy Leader Cllr Victor Broad paid tribute to Cllr Mrs Spiers' 11 years of service as Leader:
"As the Leader's deputy, I would like to thank her for all the fantastic work, inspiring leadership and considerable effort she has made for the Borough as Leader of the Council.
"Under Joan's leadership our drive, ambition and financial stability has been the envy of our peers and neighbours. We have gone from strength to strength and she is leaving a legacy of a financially sound and well managed council for her successor."
Cllr Mrs Spiers has served as Leader from 2002 to 2007 and then from 2008.
A new Leader will be appointed at the Annual Council meeting on 12th June.