Kent County Council leader Paul Carter has announced he will stand down from his role on October 17 after 14 years of heading the authority.
In a letter to the Conservative Group today Cllr Carter said: “This statement is to announce my intention to stand down as the Leader of Kent County Council. The Conservative Group will elect a new Group Leader at the Conservative Group AGM on October 4. The new Leader will be appointed and take over at the County Council meeting on October 17.
“After 14 years as Leader of Kent County Council, it is time to pass on the challenge to a new individual. This will enable the new administration to build on the successful track record of the County Council and prepare for success in the County Elections in May 2021.
“I will continue as a Kent County Councillor and intend to continue in public service, devoting my time and energy in two particular areas. In recent years, I have invested considerable time in health and social care integration, developing “Local Care”. Accelerated progress in designing integrated health and social care services that support patients in the community and their own homes and avoids hospitalisation wherever possible.
“Further to this, I would like to continue utilising my considerable experience in the education world. The post-16 education landscape needs radical change, greater choices and opportunities need to be provided to young people not destined to enter higher education. More vocational and apprenticeship pathways need to be developed alongside first class independent careers guidance.”
Cllr Carter began in local politics when he was elected to Maidstone Borough Council from 1992 to 1996. He was elected to KCC in 1997 and became leader in 2005.
