John Burrows to stand down as leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Councillor John Burrows, who has been planning his retirement from the role for some time, will remain a borough councillor.

Following a meeting of the council's ruling Labour group, Coun Tricia Gilby has been chosen as the leader elect.

She will shadow Coun Burrows until he formally hands over power to ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership.

Coun Amanda Serjeant has been selected as deputy leader elect and she will shadow Coun Terry Gilby, who has also decided to stand down next May from his deputy leader role.

Coun Serjeant is currently cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy.

Coun Burrows said: "For a long time I have been putting succession opportunities in place so that I can hand over to a new leader in a structured way.

"Being council leader is a demanding job and it's time for someone younger than me to take over.

"Coun Tricia Gilby and her deputy, Amanda Serjeant, bring that to these roles but are also both experienced politicians able to provide the quality leadership needed to ensure Chesterfield continues to punch above its weight in terms of delivering for residents, visitors and local businesses.

"It has been an enormous privilege to be council leader, representing my home town and the wonderful people who live here.

"Until May it is business as usual after then I will serve out the remaining two years of my term as a councillor serving the communities in Brimington North."

Coun Tricia Gilby is currently chair of the broough council's enterprise and wellbeing and overview and performance scrutiny committees.

She is also a serving county councillor.

She said: "It is an honour and a privilege to be selected as leader elect.

"I'd like to pay tribute to John Burrows, who has devoted his life to serving others and has been a magnificent council leader.

"He has always said that Chesterfield is 'on the up' and under his leadership projects including the refurbishment of the Market Hall, the opening of the Customer Service Centre, the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the new Parkside older persons’ accommodation have all come to fruition.

"I intend to build on John’s legacy and work to make Chesterfield a thriving borough for our residents and local businesses."