Wyre Council’s Leader to stand down

Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council has confirmed that he will be standing down as Leader at the end of the month.

Councillor Henderson has been a Wyre Councillor for 16 years, serving Breck ward throughout. He has been Wyre’s Leader since December 2017 and throughout this time has served as both a member and the Chairman of the Planning Committee and as Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Open Spaces.

He said, “It has been an absolute honour to be Leader of Wyre Council especially throughout the recent very turbulent times of the pandemic.”

David followed his beloved late mother Lily Henderson MBE into politics, after she served for Blackpool Council for 40 years.

He continues, “Things have certainly changed over the last five years and like everyone else I have had to adapt, there was a time when the only thing I knew about Microsoft Teams was how to spell it! It is now my time to step down and give someone else the opportunity to take over the running of this wonderful council. I would like to thank all the councillors and staff who have supported me. I am sure together they will continue to make a difference to Wyre as we navigate through current challenges and work towards a more prosperous future.”

In anticipation of Councillor Henderson’s resignation as Leader, Wyre Council’s Conservative group has elected Councillor Michael Vincent as the new group Leader with effect from 29 November 2022. At a meeting of full council on 1 December 2022, the Conservative group will state its nomination for Councillor Vincent to become the new Leader of Wyre Council, and all members of the council will vote on the nomination.

Councillor Vincent is currently Deputy Leader and Resources Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council and commented: “David has set a very high standard to follow. He has steered the council through the pandemic and has led on the recovery since, all whilst ensuring we deliver excellent public services.

‘’It is an honour to be nominated as the new Leader for the council and whilst there are certainly challenges ahead. I look forward to working with my fellow councillors to drive forward further improvements across the whole borough.”

Councillor Henderson will remain a Wyre Councillor and will take up the position of Resources Portfolio Holder in the cabinet.

Garry Payne, Chief Executive of Wyre Council added: “Over the past five years it has been a pleasure working with David as the Leader of the council.

“As Leader, he has shown great dedication, provided support to me, members of his Cabinet, other members and staff in our strive to deliver excellent services to residents, businesses and visitors and I wish him well for the future.”