Ousted council leader confirms he won’t stand in Sheffield by-election
“People have asked me if I'll stand again in the upcoming by-election but it's the right time for someone else to now represent our communities”
The former leader of Sheffield City Council has confirmed he won’t stand for the seat he was voted out of three months ago.
After serving four years as councillor for the Walkley ward, three of which as council leader, Tom Hunt was one of the Labour casualties in the recent local elections.
The previous leader said he was “incredibly disappointed” after the results came through.
He was unseated by Andy Davies from the Green Party, who resigned last week due mental health, who said: “I was not prepared for the huge weight of expectation and obligation I felt in the role.”
In a post to social media, Tom Hunt said: “I am sorry to see Andy Davies step down as councillor for Walkley ward. I wish him the best for the future."
Since Mr Davies’ resignation, there has been speculation over whether Mr Hunt would try to win back his Walkley seat.
Confirming he would not be standing, he said: “I had four fantastic years as the councillor for Walkley, Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe and it was an immense privilege to serve our communities.
“Some people have asked me if I'll stand again in the upcoming by-election but it's the right time for someone else to now represent our communities.”
He promised to work with the local Labour team “to make sure Labour wins the by-election,” the date for which is not yet confirmed.