Cllr Mike Wharton has announced his decision to step down, as Leader of Halton Council. Cllr Dave Thompson has also confirmed he will step down from his role as Deputy Leader. Both will continue in their roles as ward councillors.
Halton is in a strong position and has an exciting future ahead. As the borough looks to its future growth and development, the Leader and Deputy Leader believe now is the right time to pass the baton, allowing new leadership to build on successes, bring fresh ideas and energy, and help shape Halton’s future for the years to come.
During their time as Leader, and Deputy Leader respectively, Cllr Wharton and Cllr Thompson have overseen a number of significant initiatives and have played a key role in shaping the Council’s strategic direction, working alongside councillors, officers and partners to deliver for residents and communities across the borough.
Key achievements have included regeneration enabled by the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, major town centre improvements including the £23.6m Reconnecting Runcorn Programme the opening of the state-of-the-art Halton Leisure Centre and the enhancement of The Brindley.
Alongside economic development, under the guidance of Cllr Wharton and Cllr Thompson, the Council has continued to prioritise its most vulnerable residents by protecting front-line services.
A key area of focus for the Leader and Deputy Leader has also been addressing the significant budget challenge, delivering necessary savings and achieving value for money.
Commenting on his decision, Cllr Wharton said:
” I have thought long and hard before taking the difficult decision to step down as Leader.
“I had already publicly indicated my longer-term intention to step down as Leader when I accepted the nomination to become Deputy Mayor. However, in recent weeks, as I have reflected on the opportunities that lie ahead for the borough and the important decisions the Council will need to take, it’s become increasingly clear to me that stepping aside is the right thing for me, my family and for the Council.
“Halton has a really bright future, and that’s why I believe this is the right time for someone new, supported by the Executive Board, to lead the borough into its next chapter.
“A new Leader will provide stability and continuity for the years ahead, while also bringing fresh ideas and renewed energy, and giving them the opportunity to fully shape the decisions, priorities and ambitions that will define Halton’s future.
“Anyone who knows me, will know that this decision isn’t one I’ve taken lightly.
“As a young boy who grew up in Bootle, who then went on to raise a family in Halton, it has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve our residents, communities and the borough in this position, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
“I would like to thank fellow councillors, officers, partners and local people for the support, challenge and commitment they have shown throughout my time as Leader.
“While I am stepping down as Leader, my commitment to the borough remains unchanged and I will be continuing to serve the constituents of Ditton, Hale Village and Halebank as their ward councillor.
“I wish my successor every success and know they will have the support of my elected member colleagues and officers working across the Council as they work to take the borough forward.
Commenting on his decision to step down Cllr Thomspon said:
“I think the timing is right. Both Cllr Wharton and I will continue to play an active role both as councillors and with campaign work, developing different roles for ourselves in Labour’s team as we head into next year’s elections”
The process to appoint a new Leader and Deputy Leader will now begin. It is anticipated that the appointments will be considered for ratification by Full Council at its meeting on 8 July.
In the meantime, the Council will continue to focus on delivering its priorities, addressing the financial challenge and delivering services for residents, businesses and communities across the borough.