Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald has announced his intention to resign as Leader of Cheshire East Council at the end of April this year.
Cllr Fitzgerald has been a councillor in local government for sixteen years, twelve of those with Macclesfield Borough Council and four as leader of Cheshire East Council, the third largest unitary authority in the Northwest.
He said "I have today announced my decision to stand down as group leader of the conservative party, and as Leader of Cheshire East Council.
"In 2008 when I was elected to the council in its shadow form, I decided that I would bid for the Leadership position and was successful. My plan then was to lead the Council for the 3 year period that would have taken me up to the elections in May 2011. After persuasion in May 2011, I decided to continue the Leadership for a further year
"I believe that I have now achieved what I set out to and it is time for me to stand aside. Leading a large and maturing authority is a huge responsibility and it is one that I have enjoyed immensely, but it is a full time job. Most people retire at 65 – I didn't and in fact have gone almost a decade further in full time work.
"For the past four years I have ensured that this Council has built strong foundations to allow sound growth in the future. We have made the savings that Local Government Review demanded and I am confident that I can now relinquish the Leadership and leave the council in a strong place ready to face the challenges that the future will bring.
"The time is now right for new leadership to bring a fresh approach to the continuance of Cheshire East Council as it matures and establish itself as a cost effective and well run Council."
Cllr Fitzgerald will step down officially at the end of April 2012. He will continue his role as an elected member representing the ward of Wilmslow West and Chorley.
In a letter sent to staff Chief Executive Erika Wenzel said "I have worked closely with Wesley since I was appointed in October 2008 and I have nothing but admiration for the unfailing way that he has carried out his duties to this authority. We have had our challenges and had to make difficult decisions but we have also been able to celebrate the many successes that we have achieved together.
"I am not sure that I would care to add up all the hours of meetings that we attended together, but suffice to say that being the Leader of a large unitary authority is a full time role. Wesley has brought quiet determination, an unerring sense of duty and focus along with a well timed sense of humour to the role. This undoubtedly has ensured that the business has been run smoothly and that we now have strong foundations to build on.
"I wish him well with his continued role as a ward member, and hope that he can take some time to watch with pride as the legacy he has left grows and develops."
