Councillor Andy Verdeille has announced his retirement as Leader of Stockport Labour Group and confirms he will remain councillor for the ward of Reddish South.
Following a Labour Group meeting on Monday 5th January Cllr Verdeille said, “It’s been a great privilege to serve the people of Stockport as the Leader of Labour Group.
“I made the decision to retire over the summer as I’ve now had nearly five years in the job and that is a long time to be an opposition leader. I’ve focused on developing new talent in the Group and a new leader will be well placed to progress the positive plan that Labour has for Stockport.”
Cllr Verdeille received a unanimous vote of thanks for his work at the meeting of Labour councillors and added, “I leave the local party in a strong place to fight the local and general elections in May which will be among the most important for Stockport in living memory.”
Long-serving Labour councillor Sheila Bailey said, “Andy has served with passion, integrity and good humour over the last five years. His selflessness and work ethic are an example for others to follow and his dedication and experience will continue to be highly valued by people in Reddish South and across Stockport.”
Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne, also paying tribute, said, “Andy has been an important figure in local politics for many years and his commitment to the Labour Party and to local residents has been unwavering. I want to thank him for working so tirelessly for everybody in Stockport and to wish him a very happy retirement.”
Cllr Verdeille will continue as a Labour councillor for the Reddish South ward.
Stockport Labour Group’s new leader will be elected on Monday 12th January 2015.