Council deputy leader to step down next year

Craig Browne is set to take up a new role as chief executive of Citizens Advice North Staffordshire

A council's deputy leader has announced he will step down from the role at the end of February.

Craig Browne is resigning from his position at Cheshire East Council to become chief executive at Citizens Advice North Staffordshire.

He will also resign his role as chair of the highways and transport committee and as leader of the council’s independent group.

He will remain a ward councillor for Alderley Edge.

'Change Cheshire East'

Mr Browne helped secure a Labour-led administration at the council, first in 2019 and then again in 2023.

The independent group of councillors he led joined forces with Labour to run the council, with a combined majority over the Conservatives which had run it since its inception in 2009.

Councillor Craig Browne was part of the Change Cheshire East campaign before becoming deputy leader of the council

The arrangement also secured Mr Browne the role of deputy leader of the council and senior roles for independent councillors.

Labour council leader Sam Corcoran paid tribute to Mr Browne.

“I have enjoyed our work together - we have achieved a lot through our joint administration and Craig has achieved a huge amount in his role as deputy leader and as chair of highways and transport," he said.