24.11.14
LGA chair David Sparks quits Dudley leader role
Cllr David Sparks is stepping down as leader of Dudley Council – in part to concentrate on his role as chair of the Local Government Association.
He has quit with immediate effect as leader of the Labour Group, and his position as council leader will end at the next full council meeting next week.
He took over as LGA chair in July from Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell, leader at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Cllr Sparks said: “Dudley Council is in a period of change. We have just appointed a new chief executive and we are in the process of streamlining our senior management team. We also now have an agreement in principle to work towards a combined authority for the West Midlands, and I have decided it is the right time to stand down as leader so the authority can start the New Year with a refreshed leadership team.
“I intend to use my experience and expertise to support my colleagues in Dudley with the important work of establishing a combined authority that will be a lynchpin for national economic recovery and of course I will continue to serve as a ward councillor in Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood as I have done since 1977.
“However, stepping down as leader will also allow me the time to focus on my national role as chair of the LGA, as I work with councils nationwide to support, promote and improve local government so that we can continue to deliver local solutions to national problems.”