Jamie Macrae resigns from Cabinet

Councillor Jamie Macrae has resigned from Cheshire East Council's Cabinet.

Jamie Macrae has decided to step down from his position as Cabinet member in charge of prosperity and economic regeneration for personal reasons, however, he will remain ward councillor for Mobberley.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "It is with regret that today I announce that Councillor Jamie Macrae has resigned from the Cabinet for personal reasons.

"It is a testament of Jamie's unique abilities and commitment that he could successfully carry out the exacting duties and responsibilities of such a broad portfolio. He has led the portfolio diligently and now deserves a well-earned break – and I thank him for his services.

"I do not consider that any one person could do the job as well Cllr Macrae and we now need to work round this issue by bringing a solution to his replacement to the next available Cabinet meeting."

Councillor Jamie Macrae said: "I have been honoured and privileged to serve the people of Cheshire East as a Cabinet member for the past five years.

"It has been an extraordinary journey to take part in the successful launch of a new unitary authority and I am proud of the many things which we, as a Council, have achieved in a relatively short time. It has laid the foundations for a really prosperous future for the people of Cheshire East.

"I have reluctantly taken the decision to stand down from the Cabinet, however, for personal reasons. A Cabinet role is a huge commitment and I feel the time is right for me to move on in the knowledge that my wide range of portfolio responsibilities will be ably carried out by the highly-professional team I work with.

"I would also like to thank the many officers at the Council for their huge support and professionalism, enabling me to carry out my many demanding portfolio duties – covering planning, strategic housing, strategic transport, economic development and regeneration."

"I remain a Cheshire East Councillor – representing the large rural ward of Mobberley – and will continue to represent the Council on many local, regional and national bodies."

Jamie Macrae is the third member to resign from the Cabinet in seven months. Cllr Rod Menlove stepped down from his role as Cabinet member in charge of environment in January, as a result of the Lyme Green debacle, and Cllr Hilda Gaddum decided to step down from her position as Cabinet member in charge of children and family services for family reasons last November.