Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council Martin Thacker is to step down at the council’s meeting on July 13 but will continue as a councillor for Brampton and Walton.
Councillor Thacker has been leader of the Conservative Group at the Council for a decade and was the first Conservative to lead the council itself after the local elections in May last year.
Explaining his decision, Councillor Thacker said: “A number of reasons have meant I am unable to continue as leader and in due course I will be announcing other roles that mean continuing as leader is not compatible. In spite of future restrictions on my time I will continue as a councillor and serve in the administration where appropriate.”
Over the last thirteen months Councillor Thacker has led a comprehensive reform and improvement plan, restructured the Council to prepare for the future and he has won critical praise for his efforts in helping residents through the coronavirus crisis.
Councillor Thacker said: “It has been a privilege to work with officers, colleagues and community groups over the past few months during these extremely difficult times. I am glad the Council has been able to support our area so well.”
He added: “Having steered the Council through coronavirus, now is the right time for me to focus on other opportunities and continue to serve my community. I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents in the Brampton and Walton ward, as well as continuing to support the administration in its aim to make North East Derbyshire an even better place to live, work and raise a family."
Deputy Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Alex Dale, paid tribute: “Martin’s stamina and resolve over the coronavirus has been incredible and it is only because of him that we have been able to help so many residents. He has been rightly praised in Parliament for the work that he and the Council have done. We are grateful for his service and know that he is going onto even better things having helped us through our first year.”