Councillor Geoff Wheeler, sickness leader of Stroud District Council, will be stepping down and retiring from the council in the run-up to the forthcoming local elections, which take place in May.
Councillor Wheeler, who is also a district councillor for Dursley and a former mayor of the town was elected to the council in 2011 and became leader in 2012.
He said: “It has been an honour to represent the people of the district and a privilege to lead the council over the past four years. It has also been a pleasure to work with council staff and with fellow councillors from all political parties in a friendly and constructive way.”
Under Councillor Wheeler’s leadership, a committee system of decision-making was introduced in 2013 to replace the former cabinet system, and in the past year public satisfaction with the council has risen to its highest level ever, with 78% of residents and 64% of businesses pleased with its work.
He added: “I have enjoyed my time at the council. It certainly is a demanding role, but at the same time it is rewarding. It’s nice to be leaving on a high note.”
Although retiring from council life he intends to dedicate time to helping local community groups in Dursley, including Vale Vision and the Chantry Centre.