Former chief executive of Sheffield Council pays tribute to departing Leader Julie Dore

The former chief executive of Sheffield Council has paid tribute to departing Leader Julie Dore.
Star property round table event. John Mothersole, Chief Executive - Sheffield City Council. Picture: Chris EtchellsStar property round table event. John Mothersole, Chief Executive - Sheffield City Council. Picture: Chris Etchells
Star property round table event. John Mothersole, Chief Executive - Sheffield City Council. Picture: Chris Etchells

Coun Dore is standing down in May’s local elections and will not seek re-election in her Park and Arbourthorne ward. She will remain Council Leader until then.

Her announcement comes just two weeks after former chief executive John Mothersole retired from the authority.

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Coun Dore said: “My term ends this May and I have had to make a decision about carrying on for another four years. I feel that from a personal perspective, this is the right time for me to move on.

Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore. Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore.
Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore.

“I truly believe in what this city stands for - its values of solidarity, collectivism, hard work, integrity, humility, grit and determination, its character and most of all its people.

“The opportunity to represent Sheffield both inside and outside of the city and to fight for our values has been such an honour for me so above all else I would like to think the people of Sheffield for giving me this opportunity.”

Mr Mothersole spent 20 years with Sheffield Council, ten as chief executive, and paid tribute to Coun Dore.

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He said: “Julie has done a fantastic job for Sheffield. She has been Leader of the Council through the most challenging of times and the council is still delivering excellent services with staff morale going up.”

He particularly noted Coun Dore’s stance on high speed rail network HS2 when she stood firm on proposals for a city centre station despite neighbouring leaders renewing calls for Meadowhall to serve the county.

Mr Mothersole added: “She has tirelessly fought for Sheffield. Watching her in action with the HS2 battle was something I will never forget.

“It’s tough being a council leader because you must feel you can't do right for doing wrong. I’m sure she feels she has her critics, as I did when I was chief executive, but I hope people recognise the job she has done for this city.”

A councillor for 20 years, Coun Dore became Leader in 2011.