Local Conservatives thank Marion Brighton for her enormous service to North Kesteven as Leader of the district council

Local Conservatives have led tributes to North Kesteven District Council's Leader for 16 years, Coun Marion Brighton, in response to the announcement yesterday (Tuesday) that she has stepped down as Leader due to ill health.
Coun Marion Brighton - stepping down. EMN-170703-131015001Coun Marion Brighton - stepping down. EMN-170703-131015001
Coun Marion Brighton - stepping down. EMN-170703-131015001

Coun Brighton will in the short term continue to serve as ward councillor for the people of Heighington, Washingborough and Canwick, a role she has carried out for more than four decades, but she has stepped down as Leader of the Council and of the Conservative Group at North Kesteven after more than 16 years leading the authority.

George Clark, chairman of the Sleaford and North Hykeham Conservative Association, applauded Marion Brighton’s contribution. He said: “We would all like to say a huge thank you to Marion. There are few among us who have so wholly devoted themselves to serving their local community as well and for as long. Marion is an inspiration to us all in her relentless pursuit of a vibrant, prosperous and caring future for this district.

“Her valiant integrity, dogged determination and strong sense of fairness played an integral part in establishing North Kesteven as one of the best run district councils in the country.”

Coun Brighton is looking forward to voting at meetings from the ‘back benches’.

The council and the Conservative group will elect a leader in due course. The Leader will then propose a new executive board to be voted on for the next four years to maintain continuity.

Those immediately in the frame for the top job include the current Deputy Leader, Coun Michael Gallagher, member for Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East. Also among the obvious runners and riders will be the other members of the current executive board: Coun Stewart Ogden (Heckington Rural), Coun Richard Wright (Ruskington), Coun Lindsey Cawrey (Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East), Coun Ray Cucksey (Branston).