Warrington Borough Council Leader Cllr. Terry O’Neill has announced he is standing down.
Cllr O’Neill made the announcement at a Labour group meeting on Thursday evening.
In a prepared statement he announced: “Succession planning in political leadership is never easy, which is why I have taken some time to carefully consider current and future issues before making this statement to you all.
” I have been your Leader since we took control in 2011 and previously played a major role in political leadership terms since 2006. Since 2011, despite the inflicted Tory austerity we have had great success. We have led an economic renaissance for the town including the redevelopment of our Town Centre, we have kept local Council Tax rates one of the lowest in the North West, we have rejuvenated many local parks and community centres including the hugely impressive Walton Hall estate.
” I believe, despite government policy, we are delivering on our 4 pledges that were made in our 2016 manifesto. Of course there is more to do – in particular to focus on protecting our vulnerable citizens and resisting locally damaging Tory policies which may lead to more inequality.
“As Tony Blair and Gordon Brown realised, however successful the leadership and its achievements no-one should go on forever – and I have decided to retire as Leader at the December Full Council meeting. This will allow a new Leader to continue to deliver on our great work but also allow us to adequately prepare for a new manifesto for the all-out elections in 2020.
“i will of course continue to give the Party and the Council my full support.”
His successor will be nominated from a short list in November, to take control in December.
