'I didn't step down - I stepped up' - Ex-Walsall Leader Councillor Garry Perry talks about reason for sudden exit from leadership - and his refocus his 'home village'
The ex-leader of Walsall Council has talked exclusively about his thoughts and feelings a week after his shock exit from the role.
Walsall Councillor, Garry Perry, stepped down from his role as leader of the council in a surprising statement on Wednesday, May 21, citing 'bullying and harassment' from inside the council.
The sudden move shocked not only Pelsall residents (his primary ward) but also the Walsall community as a whole, with thousands of people coming forward to show their support for the former council leader's 'stand against bullying'.
Now, at the Pelsall Community and Arts Centre, just over a week after making the initial decision and announcement, Councillor Garry Perry has spoken exclusively to the Express & Star to share his thoughts and feelings about leaving the role, and his hopes for the future of Walsall.
'I need some time to heal, I think we all do'
"It was a shock, It's been a week. I think I just need some time to heal. I just need some time to heal - I think we all do" he said.
"The level of support that I have received from the public, It's been overwhelming. There are only a few occasions where people say anything kind about a councillor, and that's usually when they retire or they die. It has been overwhelming, and I take courage from that."
The announcement of the councillor stepping down was bitter-sweet to many, with hundreds of people expressing sorrow, but also joy for Mr Perry 'sticking to his morals'.
He said: "We have done some amazing work around this region - from the Walsall Community Association to the efforts to tackling crime and addressing homelessness.
