A LONG-SERVING county councillor has announced he will not seek re-election, bringing nearly a decade of service to an end.
Councillor Gerard Fox, who represents Hailsham New Town Division on East Sussex County Council, confirmed in his latest report to Hailsham Town Council that he will step down at the upcoming local elections in May.
In a personal statement, Cllr Fox said the decision had not been taken lightly, but that family circumstances now require his full attention.
He said: “It is with considerable personal sadness that I have decided not to seek re-election to the County Council in May.
“Family circumstances mean that my energies must now be devoted to challenges closer to home.”
Cllr Fox has served as Hailsham’s Conservative County Councillor since May 2017 and is also Chair of the East Sussex Pension Fund Committee.
Reflecting on his time in office, he said it had been a great honour to represent the town over the past nine years.
“During that time, we’ve tackled many challenges together, and I hope to have helped to chart a better, if not perfect, course for the future of the town.
“I have had the privilege of meeting so many remarkable people and forming many valued friendships, which I sincerely hope will endure.”
His departure will mark the end of a significant period of representation for the Hailsham New Town Division, with voters set to elect a new County Councillor in May.
