Former leader Jones resigns from council

FORMER Cheshire East leader Michael Jones has announced his resignation from the council.

In a brief statement Mr Jones said: “I have resigned as the Cheshire East councillor for the Bunbury ward and I would like to thank all my voters and especially the parish councillors I have worked with. I have enjoyed representing the ward with many highs and only a few lows.

“It is now time for me to move on with new ventures that will allow me to continue to support local communities, especially children, but in a less political more open environment and with an emphasis on working together to deliver and with a transparency. I am proud of the many achievements, including no council tax increase, £9.6 billion of investment and a council surplus budget for two years. On resigning as leader, CEC were best financially off of all councils. I look forward to further announcements on my future in the next coming weeks and wish you all a very happy Christmas and a successful 2018.”

The controversial ex-leader quit the Conservative party last week shortly before the Eddisbury group took a vote on whether or not to expel him from the local group. He resigned from the Conservative group of Cheshire East two months ago saying ‘it is not a party I recognise’.

Coun Jones stepping down as leader of Cheshire East two years ago citing infighting among the Tories as the reason.

His resignation came after controversy surrounding the awarding of council contracts to Core Fit in 2014. Core Fit is run by Amanda Weston, Coun Jones’ personal physiotherapist.

Coun Jones has always strenuously denied any wrongdoing.