Leader of Gloucestershire County Council steps down
Gloucestershire County Council leader to stand down after 14 years.
Last updated 24th Jul 2024
Having held the position for more than 14 years, Mark Hawthorne has announced today (24/7) he will be standing down as Leader of the Council in September 2024.
Mark will continue in the role until a new Leader is elected at the Full Council meeting in September and will carry on representing the people of Quedgeley until the elections next year.
He was first elected as a county councillor in 2009 and appointed as Cabinet Member for Environment by then Leader of the Council Barry Dare, before being elected as Leader of the Council in 2010.
Speaking about his decision, Mark Hawthorne, said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead this council for the past 14 years. Whilst deciding to take a step back has not been easy, I am looking forward to all that life after being Leader has to offer.
"I will do all I can to support the new Leader to hit the ground running and will continue to represent the people of Quedgeley until the elections next year.
“It has not always been easy, in fact we have faced some incredibly challenging times, but it has always been rewarding and it has always been an honour.”
Mark has also announced that he will, at their next group meeting, be stepping down as Leader of the Conservative Group. It is expected that a new group leader will be elected at the same meeting.