Gloucestershire public health boss to step down
Nick Housden has only been in the role for a number of months
Gloucestershire County Council’s public health and communities cabinet member Nick Housden is understood to be stepping down from the role just months after taking it on.
The Stonehouse division councillor took on the cabinet position at Shire Hall in May this year.
He took on the role which had been previously held by Councillor Tim Harman (C, Lansdown) for the past five years.
Cllr Housden also took on what was then the portfolio for levelling up.
However, Conservative councillors have been told that he is stepping aside.
And Council leader Mark Hawthorne (C, Quedgeley) is understood to be taking on responsibility for those positions.
“Nick Housden is stepping aside from the cabinet. The leader himself is picking up the role,” a Conservative Party source said.
Back in May, Cllr Housdon said it was a privilege to have been appointed to the role. “Our communities and their health and wellbeing have been the top priority over the past two years.
“As we come out of the pandemic, there is a lot to be done. I am really looking forward to driving forwards, with communities, our levelling up ambitions to make sure, wherever someone lives, they can be healthy and prosperous.
“I too want to thank the leader for the opportunity and my congratulations to Tim for all he achieved during his time in office.”
Tory sources say Cllr Housden will continue to serve as a councillor. However, neither he nor the Conservative Party have responded to requests for comment.