A veteran councillor has announced her retirement from Westmorland and Furness Council.
Sue Sanderson, who is cabinet member for education, inclusion and skills, has decided to step down due to health reasons.
Authority leader Jonathan Brook said: “Sue has been a dedicated councillor for a significant period of time. She previously served as a member of cabinet on both South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council.
“Sue was also deputy leader at South Lakeland District Council and has had a number of other roles during her period of office, culminating in her portfolio responsibilities for children’s services with the shadow authority and latterly here at Westmorland and Furness Council.
“Sue has led the children’s services team brilliantly, through the transition period and onwards to the significant achievement of a good Ofsted rating earlier this year – which I am sure a milestone moment in her outstanding political career.
“Sue has an amazing and fantastic track record and her achievements are many, too many to mention, and I can only thank her for all her hard work and dedication to public service, the council and to all the communities and parish councils that she has represented, so ably, for so long.
“Sue is leaving on a high note, and we wish her well on her retirement.”
Councillor Sanderson said: “I am very sad to be leaving as a councillor. I have enjoyed my time being on a range of councils but especially most recently as a councillor and Cabinet Member at Westmorland and Furness Council, our new council.
“I have always worked hard to represent and support my local communities and helped with continuing to improve services and environment such as my work on the A590 and on the Ironworks site visitor project.
“As a cabinet member, I have always had a special interest and expertise in working with and for children and their families, especially SEND.
“We are really lucky to have such a talented workforce and I will miss everyone.
“Unfortunately my deteriorating eyesight is affecting my confidence and ability to deliver my best – so it is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to retire.”
