At Full Council last night (20 November 2023), Councillor Paul Turner stepped down as Leader of Tamworth Borough Council with immediate effect.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Thomas Jay is now acting Leader of the Council until a new leader is appointed.
In the meeting of Full Council, Paul Turner announced his intentions to step down citing personal and business reasons. Paul will remain a ward councillor for Stonydelph.
Paul received cross-party thanks from all groups for this time as leader, his professional integrity and his drive to deliver for the people of Tamworth.
Thomas Jay, Acting Leader of Tamworth Borough Council said: “Only those who have been in council leadership positions before know the amount of work that is put in. I worked closely with Paul and saw first-hand the effort he put in for Tamworth. He was always keen to make sure that every option had been exhausted, but also wanted to make sure there was no unnecessary procrastination which meant some good work was delivered during his time as leader.
“I enjoyed our time working closely together and thank him for the service he put in for our town.”
At the meeting of Full Council, Councillor Tina Clements was also appointed as portfolio holder for civic pride and engagement. This is a new portfolio on Cabinet and increases Cabinet to seven members.
Councillor Marie Bailey was appointed as chair of planning committee, which has been vacated by Councillor Tina Clements as she joins Cabinet.