Derbyshire: Council chairman steps down

Chair of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Dave Wilcox today announced he is standing down from his position due to ill health.
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Guardian News

Councillor Wilcox, who is county councillor for Hadfield, Tintwistle and Gamesley, was appointed to the role of Chair in May last year.

Speaking about his decision he said: “After more than 30 years as a county councillor it was a great honour to be elected as Chair of Derbyshire County Council and I regret that ill-health has meant that in recent months I have not been able to fulfil my responsibilities in that office.

“For this reason, I have decided to step down and would like to take this opportunity to wish my successor all the best as they take up this role.

“I will continue to be a county councillor representing communities in my local area and look forward to carrying on my service to local people in this way.”

Councillor Wilcox also announced he will be standing down as Chair of the Board of the Local Government Think Tank LGIU, which he has led for the last ten years, and is resigning from his position as a Vice Chairman of the County Councils Network.

All three organisations expressed their thanks to Councillor Wilcox for his service. Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “We’re extremely sorry that Councillor Wilcox felt unable to continue as Chair of the county council and thank him for the work he has done.

“He is an enthusiastic and well-respected local councillor who works hard for the communities he serves. We look forward to seeing him back representing people in his local area and wish him well in the future.”

Caroline Cunningham, Director of the County Councils Network said: “CCN would like to thank Councillor Wilcox for his valuable contribution to the Network over many years, including as a Vice Chairman over the past five years and we wish him all the very best for the future”.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, added: “Dave Wilcox has been chair of LGiU for ten years, a period in which the organisation has gone from strength to strength, thanks, in no small part, to Dave’s support and guidance. Everyone at LGiU will be sad to see Dave go and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours and thank him for his huge contribution to the organisation.”