Brighton council leader Kitcat to quit

The leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Jason Kitcat, is standing down at the next election.

His decision was revealed by the Brighton and Hove Independent newspaper which carries the story on its front page tomorrow (Friday 20 June).

In a statement in the newspaper tomorrow, Councillor Kitcat, who has represented Regency ward since 2007, discloses that he will no longer be active in politics after Thursday 7 May next year.

The 35-year-old IT specialist and former head of technology at Netmums insisted that he wanted a new challenge but was keen to continue in public service in some way.

The Independent said: “The shock disclosure is certain to trigger a citywide debate about the future of the Green Party.

“It will be portrayed by rivals as further evidence of the failure of the ‘Green experiment’ in the city.”

Councillor Kitcat, however, said that the decision had been a family one. Making clear his determination to continue as council leader for the remaining 10 months “as there’s lots to do”, he said: “To have been able to serve my second term as a councillor in administration, leading our city, has also been an immense honour.”

His Polish-born wife, Ania, who has been the other Green councillor for Regency since 2011, will also be standing down next May.

The couple, who are currently on a city break overseas, have two children – an eight-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son.

Cllr Kitcat, who has dual British and Canadian nationality and is fluent in French, has told friends that he intends to continue living and working in the city, unless any future opportunities require a move: “He is ready to consider anything that matches his passions, skills and interests.”

His departure comes after a particularly tumultous period since the last council elections including the CityClean dispute, repeated attempts from within the Green Party to undermine his leadership and unseat him as leader and a failed attempt to hold a referendum to win support for a proposed 4.75 per cent increase in council tax to mitigate the effects of government-imposed spending cuts.

In a statement on his website he said: “In 2010 as a family we agreed that, if reselected for the 2011 council elections, this would be my last term on the council, and so it will be.

“It has been a huge honour and privilege to serve the residents of Regency ward since 2007. It’s a wonderful area to represent.

“To have been able to serve my second term as a councillor in administration, leading our city, has also been an immense honour.

“In dealing with the challenges we’ve faced, I’ve done all I can to contribute positively to our city for the benefit of all who live, work and visit here.

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve as a Green administration that I have led since 2012.

Councillor Jason Kitcat

“However, at this stage in my life I am ready for a new challenge.

“I won’t be pursuing active politics any longer but do want to continue public service in some way.

“I have no firm plans as yet and intend to continue in my current role until the council term ends as there’s lots still to do.

“This has been my decision, taken with my family.

“My passion for our city is undiminished and I wish all those involved with continuing to support our city’s wellbeing the very best. You have my support and admiration.”

Councillor Warren Morgan, leader of the opposition Labour group on the council, said: “While personally I wish Jason Kitcat well in whatever he does next, I would remind everyone that he is remaining in office for another ten months, with another budget and many more vital decisions to make.

“We have a Green council paralysed by division, unable to face tough decisions and to do what’s needed to protect essential services in the face of Conservative cuts.

“I know that many other Green councillors are not seeking re-election so their days as a political force in the city are numbered.

“Labour will make a major policy announcement next week and over the coming months will set out why residents should look to us to restore trust in the council, get the basics right and focus on jobs, homes, schools and inequality in the city.”