The leader of Shropshire Council - who was forced to apologise last month after he failed to disclose a relationship that caused a potential conflict of interest - has announced he is to retire from the council.
Cllr Keith Barrow formally apologised after the council’s Standards Sub-Committee concluded that his relationship with the director of an accountancy firm appointed by the authority was against the council’s Code of Conduct.
In a statement regarding his retirement, Cllr Barrow said: 'Presently the council is working on its financial strategy up until 2020 and the leader of the council should be involved in leading that project and committed to serving as leader and as a councillor for that period in my view.’
He felt that, given the fact that he’s been considering retirement recently, he should make way for someone who is fully committed to the role.
Cllr Barrow described his years working for Shropshire Council as ‘a huge challenge and an honour.’
Reflecting on the councillor’s decision, Clive Wright, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said: ‘Councillor Barrow has contributed an enormous amount of his personal time and a combination of skills and attributes which have shaped the strategy and direction of Shropshire as a whole.
‘In my view the greatest legacy of his strong leadership is University Centre Shrewsbury, which could not have happened without his bold decision-making.’
