BROMSGROVE District Council leader, Coun Margaret Sherrey, has announced she is standing down following a health scare.
The representative for Belbroughton and Romsley broke the news on Wednesday (June 29), adding she would also be standing down as leader of the Conservative Group.
Coun Sherrey held the role for two years after taking over from the late Roger Hollingworth.
A new leader will be elected on July 20 but until then deputy leader, Coun Kit Taylor, will take temporary control.
Coun Sherrey told The Standard: “I have done my best to steer the council in the best interests of the people of Bromsgrove District.
“It is with regret I have resigned from being leader of the council and leader of the Conservative Group but I consider it is what I should do as I have recently suffered a health scare and I feel I cannot carry out my duties to the full.
“I will remain a member of the council to give them my help and expertise for as long as I can.”
Leader of the Bromsgrove Labour Group, Coun Luke Mallett, said: “I think it’s the right decision for Margaret and the right decision for the council.”
Bromsgrove Independent Group leader, Coun Sue Baxter, added she was surprised by the announcement.
“Although we may have disagreed on council related and political issues, I have always had the greatest respect for her honesty and integrity.
