2/9/2004 - Rex Toft stands down as Leader of Cumbria County Council

Today Cumbria County Council announces that Rex Toft will be standing down as Leader of the Council with effect from 16 September 2004 and will not be standing at the elections in May 2005.

Councillor Toft says

"It is with regret that I have decided, purely for personal reasons, not to put my name forward again for the next elections.   In view of that decision, I will be standing down as Leader so someone else may lead the Council into the next election.   I have informed that Chairman of the Council, who will arrange for Council to elect a new Leader in September.

There are a number of reasons for my decision.   I need to spend more time with my wife and family.   By the next election, I will have been a County Councillor for twenty years and I have recently had my 70th birthday.   It is now time for me to make way for someone else.

Sadly, this is a very distressing time for my family.   One of my daughters, Michelle, is suffering from breast cancer.   She is putting up a brave and courageous fight, but it is taking its toll and we all want to spend more time together and support her and her family.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Council.   I would like to say how much I appreciate the friendship so generously given to me by the members of the Conservative Group and indeed members in both of the other political parties.   I particularly appreciate the excellent relationship which the Conservatives as a Group have enjoyed with the Liberal Democrat Group.   The joint Administration, working together in partnership for Cumbria, is a strong one.

There are many able colleagues who can fill the vacancy which I will leave.   Whoever is selected to succeed me will have my full support.   I would like to thank all the officers and staff for the professional support and the willing help and advice which they have given me over the years.   I greatly value their friendship and expertise.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all of those people in my electoral division and in the Borough of Copeland who have, over the years, put their trust in me.   For that I am truly grateful."