Fylde Council leader steps down after six years

Coun Sue Fazackerley took over as Fylde Council leader in 2014

Her successor with immediate effect is Coun Karen Buckley, previously deputy leader and now acting leader ahead of a formal appointment of new leader when the council can next meet again.

Coun Fazackerley, who will continue her representation of St Annes’ Central Ward going back 33 years, said she felt it was “the right time to step down from the ‘top job’.

The change follows new Government regulations which came into force earlier this month and apply, as the pandemic lockdown continues, to local authority meetings, required to be held on, or before, May 7.

In line with those rules, Fylde Council’s group leaders agreed to cancel its own annual meeting which was due to take place on April 20.

That cancellation means a new mayor has not been appointed, confirming Coun Angela Jacques will remain in the role until in May 2021, after which Coun Cheryl Little will take office, as we reported looked likely earlier this month.

Coun Richard Redcliffe will also continue in the role as deputy mayor for the forthcoming year.

Coun Fazackerley had planned not to run for re-election as leader of the Conservative group, and made the decision to resign as council leader due to the annual meeting cancellation, making way for Coun Buckley, who was appointed as leader of the Conservative Group earlier this month.

Coun Fazackerley said: “After 33 years on Fylde Council and six as leader, I have decided that the time is right for me to step down from the ‘top job’.

“I never sought the leadership and refused it several times over the years, until as deputy leader to the late Coun David Eaves, I took over as acting leader when he fell ill.

“I was then persuaded to stand for leader and am glad that I did and have enjoyed my time in that position.

“I am sure Coun Buckley, will do a great job and I wish her every success.

“I am still a borough councillor and look forward to the rest of my term of office representing Central Ward.”

Coun Buckley, who has represented St Annes’ St Leonard’s Ward since 2007, said: “Sue’s record on the council is commendable.

“I am privileged that she has passed the baton to me and I know my colleagues and I will all continue to benefit from her wise counsel in the future.”