Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Deputy Leader Cllr Karen King has stood down from her leadership role and position on the authority’s Cabinet.

Cllr King, who became Deputy Leader when the Lib Dem/Independent Partnership administration was formed in May 2019, will step back from the senior roles to concentrate on her business and further business opportunities.

She will continue to fulfil her role as a Liberal Democrat councillor for the St Germaine’s ward in Marske.

In addition to her leadership duties, Cllr King’s Cabinet portfolio covered culture, events and communications. In recent months, she has led on the Council’s significant efforts to protect the public from the Coronavirus pandemic and to restrict the spread of the virus.

Cllr King also brought forward a motion which led to a meeting of the Borough Council declaring a climate emergency and committing to make a step change in improving the environment.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Louise Westbury, who represents the Zetland ward, will join the Cabinet with a portfolio of Climate Change and the Environment to drive the Council’s commitment to making a significant change.

Cllr King said:

“It is with some sadness that I decided to step down but I really need more time to concentrate on running my business at such a challenging time for the economy. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Deputy Leader and I am proud of what we have achieved as a partnership.

“I would like to thank the public for working with us, particularly during the ongoing pandemic and I will continue to represent my home community with pride and support the Partnership from the back-benches.”

Cllr Glyn Nightingale, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council, added:

“Karen has been a superb leader and played a hugely positive role in the Partnership. She did everything with good grace and humour and was always true to her beliefs; Karen remains totally dedicated to improving the lives of everybody in Redcar and Cleveland.

“From her work on the ongoing effort to restrict the spread of Coronavirus to the hugely important issue of climate change, Karen can be proud of everything she has achieved and I look forward to working closely with her in the future.”