Council leader to step down (From Harrow Times)

Harrow Council leader Bill Stephenson to step down

11:27am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News By David Hardiman, Reporter

Council leader Bill Stephenson has announced he will step down due to health reasons.

Cllr Stephenson, who has been Labour leader for the last four-and-a-half years and took over the leadership of the authority when the party won the 2010 local elections, announced his decision this morning after telling colleagues at a meeting last night.

He will continue in the job until the party chooses a new leader, and will continue as a ward councillor representing Headstone South, where he was first elected in 1998.

He said: “I had already made a firm decision to stand down as leader in the next few months, not least to allow me to spend more time with my family and friends but also because I think it is the right time for somebody else to take over the reins.

“However, some health problems have made this difficult and have brought my decision forward.

“I am immensely honoured and privileged to have held this position. I believe our administration has numerous significant achievements to its name, not least being named best achieving council in the UK for 2011/12.

“Local residents in Harrow are rightly hard task masters. I would like to think that I have lived up to their high expectations over the last two and a half years.

“I shall miss my interactions with them although I will continue to represent my ward to the best of my ability.”

He also thanked chief executive Michael Lockwood, council staff and party colleagues for their support during his tenure.