Fareham Borough Council leader Seán Woodward to retire
BBCA council leader has announced he will be retiring from politics after 38 years of service.
Cllr Seán Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said he would not be standing as a candidate in the 2024 elections.
He made the announcement during a council meeting on Thursday.
Cllr Woodward, who has spent 25 years as council leader, revealed he made the decision after discussions with his family.
The announcement comes after he stood down from Hampshire County Council in 2020, when a conduct panel found he breached council rules.
He told colleagues: "Three years ago, in discussion with my family, I decided the Hampshire County Council election in 2021 and the Fareham Borough Council election in 2022 would be my last."With an all-out election due next year as a result of the boundary changes, this feels like a natural end point and the right time for me to bow out and take back control of my life."
Cllr Woodward listed projects like the transformation of Daedalus in 2015, the refurbishment of Fareham Leisure Centre and new parks like Abbey Meadows as some of his proudest achievements.
He also mentioned the new community centres in Whiteley, Portchester and Burridge, the "huge amount of work" put into the Welborne project and the authority's purchase of Fareham Shopping Centre as highlights during his leadership. "I actually got into politics because I felt I could make a difference. I love Fareham and believe it is a great place to live," Cllr Woodward said.
"All of the people who give so generously of their time. Those that have hit hard times through no fault of their own.
"They all make our area so special, and I thank them for the inspiration they have given me to go on."
