The leader of one Merseyside local authority who had planned to retire this summer is staying on to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Cllr Pat Hackett, Wirral Council’s leader, had announced his intention to retire this July, but feels it is his duty to stay on in such difficult times.
The Labour councillor told the ECHO: “Following my previous decision to retire, I now feel it is my duty with the onset of this virus to provide continuity and leadership, working in a collaborative way with all group leaders until this national and local emergency is coming to an end.”
Cllr Hackett, who has represented New Brighton since 1994, only became leader of the council in May of last year, but decided his time had come.
Cllr Hackett has faced the challenge of leading a minority Labour administration after the party lost majority control of the council last year.
During Cllr Hackett's time as leader, the council voted to cancel a controversial proposal to lend £26m to developers for the Hoylake Golf Resort project.
Cllr Hackett, who succeeded Phil Davies in the role, has also overseen the progression of the council’s Local Plan - which will see 12,000 houses built in the borough over the next 15 years.
He has also managed the council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic; working with other party leaders to increase care workers’ pay, set up an Emergency Food Hub and cut Council Tax for those eligible for the Local Council Tax Support scheme.
