The leader of Devon County Council has said it is the ‘right time’ to leave the post after 15 years.
John Hart, who has served as a councillor since 1989 and became council leader in 2009, said he was leaving with the authority in a good position with a balanced budget.
His career highlights include a ‘major reorganisation’ of education in Exeter, and working with the county’s district and parish councils to support vulnerable people during the Covid pandemic as part of ‘Team Devon’.
Devon’s devolution deal with Torbay Council has also been developed under Cllr Hart’s leadership and is expected to be finalised in the next few weeks.
Cllr Hart said: ‘It has been a real privilege and pleasure to serve the people of Devon for so long and I particularly want to thank the people of my ward for their continued support.
‘Devon County Council has been a huge part of my life and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with some excellent councillors and officers to provide vital services to the people of Devon.’
