PRESS RELEASE

 STARTS:

 This afternoon, Councillor Craig Turton who represents East Brighton for the Labour and Cooperative Party has handed in his resignation to the Chief Executive of the council.

 Cllr Turton collapsed at a council meeting in February and has since suffered ongoing health problems.

 Although Craig has been ill, he has maintained a high level of commitment to carrying out casework on behalf of the residents he represents.

 However, Craig has decided he can no longer continue to serve as a Councillor, as his health problems make it impossible for him to attend meetings.

 Cllr Turton said;

 “It has been a privilege to have represented theEast Brightonward since 2003 and to have served the people of the Bristol Estate, Craven Vale, Kemptown, Manor Farm and Whitehawk alongside my dedicated Labour colleagues, CouncillorsGill Mitchelland Warren Morgan.

 I have been particularly proud to have served as the chair of the Royal Sussex County Hospital Liaison Group and to have played a part in working with the Trust and local residents to see the 3Ts planning application approved

 I would like to thank all my colleagues, officers at the council, but most importantly the residents of my ward for their continued support during this difficult time”

 Councillor Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour and Cooperative Group said:

 ”Craig has worked hard for residents inEast Brightonfor nine years but has been struggling with poor health since February this year. We respect his decision to resign and will miss a much valued colleague.”

 ENDS