Craig Browne has announced he will stand down as deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and as chair of the council's highways and transport committee, at the end of February 2024. 

In a statement, the Alderley Edge Independent councillor said: "I have recently been through an interview and assessment process with Citizen's Advice North Staffordshire, as a result of which I have been offered and have accepted the position of chief executive with the charity.

"This will necessitate me leaving my roles as deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, (including my associated appointments with outside bodies) and chair of highways and transport committee.

Craig Browne has announced he will stand down as deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and as chair of the council's highways and transport committee, at the end of February 2024 (Cheshire East Council).

"It is a decision I have thought long and hard about, but have concluded that the opportunity it offers me to take up the next step in my professional career is something that I cannot afford to pass up. 

"I have loved and enjoyed working with many colleagues (both officers and members) over the course of the last five years and I would like to thank everyone for the support they have given me in my role.

"I would like to assure everybody, and in particular the residents of Alderley Edge, that I will remain as a ward councillor and will continue to serve their interests and the interests of Cheshire East Council, to the best of my abilities." 

The Independent Group will now make arrangements to elect a new group leader. 

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Election of deputy leader of the council and the appointment of the new chair of highways and transport committee are functions of the council.

These decisions will be taken at a future meeting of full council.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Sam Corcoran, paid tribute to Craig Browne's contribution to the council over the years (Cheshire East Council).

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of the council, said, "I would like to thank Craig for his dedication and commitment to the roles of deputy leader and chair of highways and transport committee.  

"These are demanding roles, requiring significant commitment of time and energy. 

"Each of us as elected members must balance our public service with our lives outside of the council and I congratulate Craig on his new role as the chief executive of Citizen's Advice North Staffordshire. 

"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.

"I look forward to working with Craig in his capacity as deputy leader until he steps down and to building a new working relationship with his replacement, next year. 

Cheshire East Council is set to close its Sandbach HQ in 2024, with the HQ moving to Crewe's Delamere House (Ryan Parker).

"I appreciate the stability we have built in Cheshire East Council, with this second term of our joint Labour and Independent administration and note that several of the senior officers at Cheshire East Council are now the longest serving officers in their posts and that I am the longest serving leader of the council since its formation in 2009. 

"However, change is a constant in local government, and we will manage the change, adapt and move forward, continuing to serve residents and businesses in Cheshire East."