Durham Council Leader to stands down after local election results
Last updated 10th May 2021
Durham County Council leader, Simon Henig, says he's stepping down after Labour lost overall control of the council in the local elections.
Following the local election results in County Durham Simon Henig said,
“The results of the election in County Durham last week were deeply disappointing for the Labour Party. Unfortunately the outcome was in line with the national and regional picture, and the result of the December 2019 General Election.
“I have had the opportunity to reflect on the situation, and have decided that the time has come for someone else to lead the Labour Group, so I will not be putting my name forward to the Group AGM this weekend.
“I am very proud of the Labour County Council’s record over the past 12 years, with the creation of over 10,000 new jobs prior to coronavirus, including major companies such as Hitachi choosing to locate in County Durham, plans for 30,000 more jobs now being realised, a world-class events programme and visitor numbers increasing year by year.
“This is a wonderful county and I believe this legacy is a firm foundation for continued growth across County Durham in the future.
“It is now the time for someone else to lead us through this next phase. I would like to wish the new leadership every success.”
More to follow on this story.