Brighton and Hove Labour leader stands down

Councillor Gill Mitchell has resigned as the opposition Labour group leader on Brighton and Hove City Council.

Councillor Mitchell, who represents East Brighton ward, said that she would not be standing for re-election at the group’s annual general meeting (AGM) next month.

She will continue to serve as a councillor and hopes to stand for re-election in May 2015 when the next council elections are held in Brighton and Hove.

Councillor Mitchell first stood for election in 1993 after running a campaign to save a local school playing field.

Councillor Gill Mitchell

Twenty years on she is still at the forefront of community campaigning and local politics.

When Labour ran the council, Councillor Mitchell became chairman of the Environment Committee.

After the party lost control to the Conservatives in 2007 she became the Labour group leader.

During her time as Leader of the Labour group, there have been four leaders of the council, three leaders of the Green group and three Tory group Leaders.

Councillor Mitchell said: “After 10 years at the forefront of local politics, including six years as leader of the Labour group, I have decided not to put my name forward for the position of group leader at the forthcoming Labour group annual general meeting.

“It has been a real honour to serve as group leader throughout the many challenges faced by the council and the city over the past years and I look forward to fully supporting the new leader as, together with the Labour Party, we fight to secure Labour victories at the next council and parliamentary elections.”

Councillor Warren Morgan, the deputy leader of the Labour group and a fellow East Brighton ward councillor, said: “Gill has served in the front line of Labour politics for a decade, winning respect from colleagues, opponents and people from across the city.

“I’d like to thank her for her leadership over the past six years and hope that she remains a part of our leadership team for many years to come.”