[C]OPELAND Council’s Deputy Mayor and Leader of the Labour Group, Lena Hogg, has announced her resignation from the council.
Coun Hogg’s decision takes effect on August 29.
Coun Hogg said: “My reasons for the decision are simply that I wish to give the fullest attention I can to my dear family who have always, over the years, given me unwavering support as I conducted my Council duties.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the responsibility of Deputy Mayor of Copeland, as well as Executive Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, for the past almost two-and-a-half years.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that residents get the best possible services that we, as a Council, are able to give.
“I have worked hard as Portfolio Holder to ensure that the foundations are well laid for future generations to benefit from the significant economic growth that Copeland richly deserves.
“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for their support and the officers and staff of Copeland Council for their commitment to the residents they serve.”
Coun Hogg was elected to Copeland Council in 2011 and was selected to Mayor Mike Starkie’s Executive committee in May 2015.
Mr Starkie said: “I am saddened that Lena has decided to step down, but I fully understand her reasons.
“She will be a sad loss to the Council, where she has served diligently and effectively, with her primary concern for the residents of the borough.
“On a personal note, I’d like to thank Lena for the help and support she has offered to me as my Deputy.
“Since the time I was elected, Lena has shared my vision for the ‘rainbow’ Executive, and has always demonstrated how politics can be done differently; people of different parties putting party politics aside for the benefit of our residents.
“Her contribution to the modernisation of this Council, and her contribution to her beloved Egremont and Copeland as a whole, can not be underestimated.”
