Roger Lawrence: I’m leaving Wolverhampton Council with great memories

The leader of Wolverhampton Council reflected on his years serving the city after announcing he will step down later this year.

Roger Lawrence is standing down as leader of Wolverhampton Council

Councillor Roger Lawrence announced at a full council meeting on Wednesday that he will step down after the city's local elections in May, having first led the council in 2002.

The 67-year-old will continue as a councillor for St Peter's until May 2020, when his term comes to an end.

WATCH emotional resignation speech:

He said that Wolves' promotion to the Premier League last year was one of the highlights for him, as 80,000 fans flocked to the city centre to celebrate.

He said: "Last year's promotion was one of my most memorable moments, along with seeing JLR open on the i54 and seeing the council properties which have come along.

"I've go many many memories of great times, but also harder times.

"The loss of our mayor Elias Mattu last year was really heartbreaking, and the days six or seven years ago when we were having to lose a lot of our staff because of the cuts, it was hard as you got to know them."

Support

Councillor Lawrence held back naming who he would like to see take over as leader, but said he would support any of his colleagues.

"I will support whoever takes over, it's a tough job. I am sure that many people in my group would do very well."

Roger Lawrence announced his decision at a full council meeting

Councillor Lawrence received a standing ovation in the council chamber

He also joked he would become a 'recluse' after stepping down, saying: "I might fulfil my ambition to become a recluse, but everyone says things turn up.

"I will carry on as a councillor until at least 2020.

"It's been a rollercoaster ride but it's had some great highs and I'm very grateful to this city which I think has adopted me."

Councillor Lawrence first led the council in 2002

Mr Lawrence was first elected to the council in 1983 and has been the authority’s leader since it came under Labour control in 2011.

He previously led the council from 2002 to 2008, having been elected as Labour group leader following the retirement of Norman Davies.

'Time to move on'

While the announcement was met with wishes of good luck from members of the opposition, Tory leader Councillor Wendy Thompson said that Wolverhampton needs to move on and said it was about time the Labour group 'examined themselves and their record'.

She said: "I think you're going to have a great future.

Conservative group leader Wendy Thompson wished Councillor Lawrence well

"A sign of true success would be how many of our chief officers actually live in Wolverhampton.

"The unemployment rate in Wolverhampton is still far too high, that's not something to be proud of, it's something to be ashamed of, it causes misery to families.

"I do acknowledge you try to make some difference with economic development, but you have a long way to go.

"We have the highest amount of obese primary school children, alcohol admissions are also on the rise, violent crime is an issue.

"I also notice no mention of the Civic Halls.

"I am sorry to say that although I was you well for the future and I know we've had a hellish time with your own group, but it's also that Wolverhampton needs to move on and in 40 years is' about time you lot examined yourselves and your record."

Councillor Lawrence responded saying he has never heard from the opposition about what they would do about the issues.