Brighton councillor resigns

Labour councillor Craig Turton resigned this afternoon (Friday 7 September).

Councillor Turton has represented East Brighton for nine years but collapsed at a council meeting at Brighton Town Hall on February.

He has continued to suffer from ill health since then and handed in his resignation this afternoon to Catherine Vaughan, the acting chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council.

The Labour Party said: “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.”

Councillor Turton said: “It has been a privilege to have represented the East Brighton ward since 2003 and to have served the people of the Bristol Estate, Craven Vale, Kemp Town, Manor Farm and Whitehawk alongside my dedicated Labour colleagues, Councillors Gill Mitchell and 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 Group, said: “Craig has worked hard for residents in East Brighton for 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.”

Council leader and Green councillor Jason Kitcat said that he was “genuinely shocked and saddened to hear Craig is stepping down”.

He described his political rival as a good councillor and wished him a speedy recovery.