FORMER Conservative leader Paul Kennedy has issued a plea to the president of the European Commission to ensure there is an 'amicable divorce' when the UK parts company with the EU.

Mr Kennedy, who retired from the council in May after his Hatton, Stretton and Walton ward ceased to exist, voted to remain in the EU after the polling stations opened last Thursday.

Overall, 17,410,742 voters backed Leave against 16,141,241 for Remain following a 71.8 per cent turnout, which was slightly behind Warrington's 73.36 per cent.

However, the 59-year-old did not want a referendum in the first place.

He said: "I have two sons, aged 19 and 25, and took a view to vote remain as I thought it would be more beneficial for them.

"I felt it was a decision that in the longer term would affect younger people more than me and the older generation.

"Clearly others took a different view and we are where we are and need to move forward positively to bring about the democratic decision made.

"The referendum was not something I wanted. The turnout was good but I was hoping for 80 per cent.

"I don't believe there should be another referendum, there is clearly a leave majority.

"I don't think the result should be overturned or undermined in any way. Things are uncertain at the moment, but if the vote isn't allowed to stand then every other vote can be challenged in the future.

"It would be very bad for democracy. Far more voted than have to elect a national Government and far more than to elect WBC's Labour administration.

"It is very easy to sabotage things and bring about the self-fulfilling prophecy of doom. We have had this vote and the decision is to leave, now we have to be positive about it and determine how best to go about exiting the EU with all sides working together."

Mr Kennedy also called on leading figures, including European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, to deliver 'clarity' and 'stability'.

He said: "I know Mr Juncker has said that this is not going to be an amicable divorce but I would suggest to him that in such a divorce both sides suffer, not just one, and surely that can't be what he wants."

Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation following the referendum result has left the leadership of the Conservatives up in the air.

Mr Kennedy will not be voting on the next leader as he is no longer an official party member but he will be keeping an eye on the situation.

He added: "No doubt much work is being done behind the scenes by those who might have leadership aspirations and indeed by those who might want to stop certain candidates.

"And often success in politics is a question of timing and luck. With regards to a possible contender, Boris Johnson, while he might be popular in local Conservative associations, I am not convinced he is as popular as he was in the country as a whole."