Mike Townend to step down
Adam Hewitt • Published 16 Oct 2010 09:30
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A MEMBER of Reading’s governing Cabinet is standing down due to work commitments.
Cllr Mike Townend, who held the communities, voluntary sector, economic development and performance brief, said his international work commitments meant he could no longer serve.
He will be replaced by Cllr Jeanette Skeats, and the performance improvement portfolio passed off to deputy council leader Cllr Kirsten Bayes.
Cllr Townend, who will remain a ward councillor in Church ward, said: “I take the responsibilities of being a lead councillor very seriously and I strive to do the job to my best ability because that’s what the residents of Reading, council officers and my Cabinet colleagues have a right to expect.
“The new demands of my job mean that I am now unable to fulfil the role in the way I believe is correct and so I advised the leader of the council of my decision to leave the Cabinet.
“Equally, I have a responsibility to my employer to perform the role that I am now required to undertake and I regret that the role of lead councillor and role at my company are incompatible.”
Borough council leader Andrew Cumpsty said: “Mike has played a key part in the formation of the administration and as a member of the Cabinet and I am very sorry to see him go. He is a real talent and I am only sorry that his business commitments mean that he will no longer be able to play a leading role within the Cabinet. I wish him well and if circumstances change, hope to see him back in a leading executive role.”
Deputy leader Cllr Bayes said: “Mike has made a big contribution to the communities and voluntary sector as lead councillor, and played a critical role in establishing the administration on the Council. We wish him all the best.”
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