The leader of Carlisle’s Labour Group has stepped down after eight years.
Colin Glover, leader of the Labour Group on Carlisle City Council and a former leader of the council, said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Labour Group over the past eight years and to have been leader of the council for six years from July 2013 until May 2019. I feel that now is the right time for a new leader to take us forward with new ideas and energy.
“We are expecting the Secretary of State to make an announcement on local government reorganisation in the summer and this will bring new opportunities and challenges and a new leader will bring their own experience to help to shape the future for our city and the wider region.
“I am immensely grateful to my political colleagues, to council staff and all the partners who I have worked with over the years, for their continued commitment and hard work for the city of Carlisle.
“Being a champion for the place we serve is a key part of council leadership and promoting the city of Carlisle whenever I have been given the opportunity has been really important to me and it always will be.
“Together we have achieved a great deal for the city, including securing significant investment through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, driving forward St Cuthbert’s Garden Village and the Carlisle Southern Link Road, opening the Old Fire Station as a new arts venue and developing plans for new pools and leisure facilities, as well as many other achievements that have transformed Carlisle and improved facilities and services for local people, businesses and visitors.
“We have delivered new homes and I am particularly proud of the project at Beverley Rise to build affordable homes for rent, a project led by former councillor Heather Bradley, which has not only provided homes, but also created apprenticeships for young people to develop new skills for life.
“One of the most heartbreaking periods of my time in office was leading the council through the 2015 floods, a time that was devastating for so many people and yet it highlighted one of the things that Carlisle is so good at, community spirit and caring for each other.
“The decision to step down was not an easy one, but I believe it is the right one and I look forward to spending time on other activities that mean a lot to me and hopefully where I can continue to make a difference. I will continue to serve the community in Currock and Upperby as a city councillor.
“The Labour Group will now elect a new leader and whoever is elected, they have my best wishes for the important work that is ahead”.
