Richard Watts to stand down as leader of Islington Council

Islington Council Leader Richard Watts. Photograph: Islington Council

Richard Watts has announced on Twitter that he will be standing down in May as leader of Islington Council after eight years in the role.

A brief tweet stated: “… I informed Islington Labour Group that after almost 8 years as leader I feel now is the right time to hand over the reins. My letter below. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved and want to thank everyone in Islington working in their own way to make our borough better”.

The attached resignation letter stated “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as Leader of Islington Council”, and it proceeded to detail the local authority’s recent accomplishments.

Today I informed @IslingtonLabour Group that after almost 8 years as Leader I feel now is the right time to hand over the reins. My letter below. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved and want to thank everyone in Islington working in their own way to make our borough better. pic.twitter.com/lT9914jFvK

— Richard Watts #STAYSAFE (@RichardWatts01) February 22, 2021

The Labour politician’s contribution was recognised by many of his fellow party members, including Islington North’s MP Jeremy Corbyn who tweeted his thanks ‘for what [Watts] has delivered for Islington as Council Leader.

I would like to express my thanks to @RichardWatts01 for what he has delivered for Islington as Council Leader.

In areas such as free school meals, in-house services provision, council house building, and environmental action the council has led the way.https://t.co/vtoyUQl6RB

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 23, 2021

More to follow.