Council leader to step down
The Tory leader of Stafford Borough Council has announced she is to step down from her post next month.
Councillor Judith Dalgarno, who is aged in her 70s, is also stepping down as leader of the Conservative group on the council saying she wants to spend more time with her husband and their new grandson. She has been leader of the council for the past six years.
She will hand over the reins of power to fellow cabinet member Councillor Mike Heenan on May 18.
Mrs Dalgarno, who led the Tories to power in the borough six years ago said now was the right time to leave the spotlight.
She stood down as head of the Conservative group at its annual general meeting on Monday night but had signalled her intention to resign to fellow councillors approximately six weeks ago.
She told the Express & Star today that she intended to continue serving as a councillor for the Weeping Cross area, where she has been representing voters for more than 25 years.
She said: "It has been a great privilege to serve the group for such a long period. I have particularly enjoyed the last six years as leader of the council and am proud of our achievements over that period.
"Being leader is a very time-consuming role especially with my involvement in our family business and with the wonderful addition of our new grandson.
"I think now is the time to hand over the reigns and allow fresh ideas and I am sure Councillor Heenan with his experience of business and local government over many years will be an excellent leader."
Councillor Heenan, aged 58, is a chartered accountant and chief executive of Stafford Railway Building Society. He was first elected to the council in 1976 and has been leader of the Conservative group before in 1991 to 1995 and as leader of the council from 1993 to 1995. He will announce his cabinet at the full council on May 18.
