Shropshire Star

Shropshire Council leader Malcolm Pate to step down from post

The leader of Shropshire Council says he intends to step down from the post in May next year after the council elections.

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Councillor Malcolm Pate has been leader of the Conservative administration since being elected as Keith Barrow's replacement in December last year.

He said: "I am not intending to go over May 2017. I have already done six years as leader, six years as chairman and now another year and a half as leader."

Councillor Pate, aged 72, who represents Albrighton, said he would however be seeking to continue as a local councillor, representing his ward.

The council leader has presided over a time of considerable change for Shropshire Council, with a number of key decisions taken on his watch. He approved the closure of ip&e, the council's controversial company, earlier this year, and has been leading the development of corporate strategy.

Councillor Pate's election to the post of leader came after the shock resignation of Keith Barrow, who had been in charge of the authority for five years.

The councillor has dedicated much of his time in office to lobbying Government for fairer funding for the county in the wake of huge increases in the adult social care bill.

Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of Shropshire Council's Labour group, said his opposite number had steadied the ship at the authority in the wake of Mr Barrow's resignation.

He said: "In a sense I am sad that he will be standing down as leader as he has represented some stability after a period of turmoil and great disappointment in Shropshire Council."

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