By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
“Courageous” Cotswold councillor Andrew Maclean received a standing ovation as he announced he is standing down after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The Green Party councillor, who represents The Rissingtons at Cotswold District Council, announced the “devastating” news at the full council meeting on November 26.
He told the meeting that he suffered a seizure while visiting family in Senegal earlier this year. And after a series of tests a serious brain tumour was detected.
Cllr Maclean, who made history as the District Council’s first Green councillor, says he will dedicate his remaining time to his family and cycling.
He said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce I am standing down as a district councillor,” he said.
“Some of you will know I had a seizure in January when visiting my family in Senegal.
“The follow-up to this after a series of scans and biopsies actually resulted in the diagnosis of a serious brain tumour.
“So far I’ve shown no symptoms at all but the prognosis is pretty poor.”
He told the meeting it had been a joy to represent the Rissingtons for the last six years.
Cllr Maclean said the “well-heeled” residents of Wyck Rissington were “rather shocked at first” to find they were represented by a Green councillor.
“But honestly, they’ve been so welcoming and kind to me over the years,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to work with all of you too. Even when we might not have seen eye to eye on a few issues.”
He thanked the council for listening to him on issues around sustainability, energy efficiency and the “wonderful” countryside.
“With the coming of unitary status it is such a thoroughly awkward time to be stepping down but I’m sorry I have no control over that.
“I’m sure you’ll understand. In my remaining time, I will concentrate on my family, getting out on my bike in the North Cotswolds and as a man of faith preparing for my long term future with my saviour.
“Thank you all for your time and thank you for listening.”
Chairman Mark Harris (LD, Abbey) thanked Cllr Maclean for his wisdom, passion and humour at the council.
“Please, please remember over the next few months you have our support in any way you feel might be helpful,” he said.
“And we wish you all the courage and comfort going forward over the next few months.”
Council leader Mike Evemy (LD, Siddington and Cerney Rural) paid tribute to the work the council’s first Green Party councillor has done at the council.
“Speaking on behalf of all my colleagues on this side of the chamber, we’ve always found Andrew very approachable and have always enjoyed chatting with him and have worked collaboratively,” he said.
“We will all miss him. He has been a great member of this authority.”
And Conservative group leader Tom Stowe (C, Campden and Vale) applauded Cllr Maclean for his “extraordinary courage in delivering the devastating news”.
“On behalf of the Conservative group, we have always very much valued his insight, his knowledge and he commands great respect amongst the group,” he said.
“As he just demonstrated, he is a real gentleman. He is going to be sorely missed in this chamber.
“The Conservative group send the best wishes to him and strength to his family for this battle he faces ahead.”