Councillor Penny Channer, current leader of Maldon District Council and the Conservative group, has announced she is standing down "for personal reasons".

On May 4, all seats at Maldon District Council will be voted for across the district. Conservative members currently hold the largest number of seats at the council, with the others held by non-aligned independents, one Liberal Democrat, and members of The Maldon District Independent Group.

In a statement, Cllr Channer said: "To have been elected and entrusted to serve the residents - not only of my Ward of Mayland, but all the district - has been a tremendous honour and privilege.

"I pledged to serve to the best of my abilities and with the interests of residents at the heart of everything.

"However, I alone cannot take the credit for achievements, as it is through the combined commitment of my council colleagues and officers that the authority has strived to always do and has done more than the minimum, punching above its weight for a small authority, even in these most challenging of times."

Cllr Channer says despite pressure from increased costs, the Council's recently agreed 'Corporate Plan' will continue to make the best use of resources for residents.

She continued: "As a Conservative, I believe in striving to make every penny work as hard as it can and stretch every pound as far as it will go, in the interests of the taxpayer.

"Through my time as a Councillor, I have had the pleasure of working with many dedicated talented people at the authority.

"I have taken the decision to stand down at the forthcoming elections with some sadness and somewhat with a heavy heart. It is the right decision, at this time, for personal reasons and the need to focus on personal priorities for those I care for and myself."

In her statement, Cllr Channer also disputed claims that Conservative members are subject to national and regional party direction, saying that was "simply untrue".

Cllr Mark Durham, former leader of the Conservative group, added: "In my twelve years as a Maldon Conservative councillor, I cannot recall a single time when we received any communication from the party about how we should vote or set policy for the local district.

"Local government is exactly that: local."

District and Parish Council elections will take place on May 4.

In the run-up to the local elections in May, Maldon Nub News will speak to all candidates standing, and to members of the community who feel certain issues need to be tackled by our elected representatives.

If you are considering standing in the elections, or you simply want councillors to take note of a particular issue, get in touch with Maldon Nub News.

Find all our local election coverage on Nub News' Maldon District Council Elections 2023 page.

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