The following is a statement from Councillor John Fenty and the leader of NELC, Philip Jackson:
Statement from Councillor John Fenty:
“ Following discussions with the Council Leader, I have today decided to step down as Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Regeneration, Skills and Housing.
After reflecting on recent media reports and the impact on both my party and the Council itself, I have taken the decision in the best interests of all concerned and to avoid an unwarranted distraction to the enormous progress being made in the borough.
I’m proud to have played my part in that progress and the re-invigorated spirit the area now has in itself, a spirit I’m confident will continue to burn bright under a Conservative administration.
During my time giving political leadership on regeneration, I believe our residents and the business community have seen a sea-change in the ambition to re-build the economy after years of struggle and I’ve no doubt this approach will continue to bear fruit in the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the fantastic Council workforce for their support to me in in the performance of my duties in helping to transform our great towns.
My decision today will allow me to focus more on my other business activities and the football club I’mpassionate about. I have been meticulous in declaring any conflicts of interests throughout my time as a councillor and can hold my head up high. However, I’mnot prepared to let matters in my private business life become a drain on the Administration’s effort to make this borough a great place to live work and play. Therefore, it is with great regret and sadness that I feel that I must relinquish my roles as deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, a role it has been my greatest privilege to undertake on behalf of the Leader Philip Jackson . I will though, continue to serve the community as councillor for Humberston and New Waltham and in that role, I look forward to watching North East Lincolnshire continue to grow and prosper, as I know it will.
It’s been a huge privilege not only to see my party elected to office by the people of North East Lincolnshire for the first time, but to serve in the first wholly Conservative Cabinet in the borough’s history. ‘’
Council Leader Philip Jackson said: “ We’ve made massive strides in the borough over the last 18 months or so and no-one should be in any doubt the contribution John has made to that in his role on Cabinet and as a councillor.
Our collective goals have been to restore the pride in the area and see it grow again by attracting investment and John can look back with pride at how far we’vecome with those achievements and the huge part he’s played.
I respect and understand his decision, but in accepting it, I would also like to put on record my personal thanks to him for his support to me and other Cabinet colleagues since we took control of the Council and in helping us achieve so much in such a short time.’’
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