Walsall health boss who oversaw response to Covid standing down
Walsall’s health boss who oversaw the borough’s response to Covid-19 is standing down to spend more time with his family.
Councillor Stephen Craddock, the authority’s portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, has decided not to defend his Brownhills seat in next month’s local election following a change in his priorities.
At a full council meeting on Monday, he was praised for his work during the pandemic and he led the chamber in one more round of applause for health professionals, key workers and volunteers in recognition of their efforts.
But he also made one last urgent appeal for people to get vaccinated and warned more challenges lay ahead.
Councillor Craddock told members he was now a grandfather of six – four of whom were born since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
He reluctantly took on the cabinet role more than two years ago and was given a baptism of fire when Covid-19 struck. Walsall Council leader Mike Bird described him as a “rock” by his side throughout.
Councillor Craddock praised director of public health Stephen Gunther, health professionals and organisations, Covid community champions, key workers, volunteers and fellow councillors for their support.
As he presented his last annual report, he said: “It’s been a very challenging year. Plans for the public health team to return to ‘business as usual’ were often thwarted by another lockdown or resurgence of Covid-19.
“Yet there is much to celebrate and be thankful for. Through innovation and resourcefulness support and services have continued to reach those most in need.
“There are still lots of challenges ahead. I finally succumbed to this virus at the beginning of this month and thanks to the vaccination programme, it was more like flu.
“But don’t be fooled into thinking this has gone away. There are still lots of people in hospital with Covid and sadly the death toll continues to rise.
“There are tens of thousands of unvaccinated people in the borough despite our best efforts.
“There are also thousands of vulnerable people who are still being cautious and are more isolated as a result. New variants will continue to arrive now restrictions are lifted and overseas travel increases.
“The constant scrutiny of public health and our response to the pandemic has been draining.
“One of the biggest challenges and frustrations has been trying to get everyone vaccinated. The teams have all worked extremely hard to get many residents triple jabbed.
“But there are still thousands who haven’t been vaccinated and this might be my last opportunity to say this so: please get your vaccination. It’s free, it’s safe and will help to protect you and your loved ones from the effect of this virus.”
He added: “I’m sad to be standing down at this election. I’m very grateful to the residents of Brownhills for putting their faith in me twice.
“It’s been an incredible journey over the last eight years but I now have six grandchildren – four who have been born since the start of the pandemic. My priorities have changed.
“I like to think I was a good councillor but I hope to become a great grandpa.”
Councillor Bird said: “He came into the cabinet at my request, kicking and screaming I have to tell you. But, believe me, he has been the rock by the side of the leader during that time.
“Many of the things that happened would not have happened without him.
“It is with great sadness to me he has decided to stand down because of many things that have happened in the last few months but most importantly, his choice of family first.”
