Dudley Council leader Pete Lowe to step down
The leader of Dudley Council has announced he will stepping down in the coming weeks.
Councillor Pete Lowe says has decided to quit the role to concentrate on 'other political priorities' and his day job as a national trade union officer for Managers in Partnership with the NHS.
Mr Lowe became council leader for the second time in September when Labour regained control of the authority from the Conservatives.
He will remain as a councillor for Lye and Stourbridge North.
Mr Lowe, who played a key role in creating the Black Country Festival, said: “Over the past few months I have enjoyed returning to the role of leader of the council.
"However, in many ways it’s the right job but at the wrong time for me. I am still committed to representing the Lye and Stourbridge North ward but personally I have other political priorities mounting up, as well as professional commitments, so I have decided it is time to step aside.
“I am passionate about the people, community groups and businesses of the Dudley borough and I am not comfortable unless I can give my all to them.
“I am incredibly proud of this borough and am delighted we have been able to establish Dudley borough as the historic capital of the Black Country and I’m looking forward to working with all other councillors and partner organisations to develop the borough’s vision to forge a future for all.”
Councillor Lowe was deputy leader from 2013-2014 and leader from December 2014 until May 2017, before resuming the role in September this year.
A formal replacement for Councillor Lowe as leader will be made at a future meeting of the Full Council.
The Express & Star understands that senior figures in the regional Labour party are backing current finance boss Councillor Qadar Zada for the role.
