Veteran Lib Dem Group Leader set to retire

Councillor Douglas McCall, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Milton Keynes Council for the last 9 years, has announced his plans to retire from the Council this May.

Councillor McCall was first elected to MK Council 25 years ago in 1996 at the very first elections to the then new Unitary Authority of Milton Keynes Council. Councillor McCall has represented Newport Pagnell South Ward throughout his time on the Council, although the ward boundaries have changed over time.

Councillor McCall was Cabinet Member for the Environment & Strategic Planning from 2002 to 2009 when the Lib Dems ran the Council. He oversaw the introduction of greater recycling initiatives such as recycling sacks, garden waste collections and kitchen waste collections. Recycling rates increased fivefold under the Lib Dems from 11% to 55%.

Councillor McCall has also chaired the Scrutiny Management Committee, the most senior scrutiny committee on the Council.

Speaking about is upcoming retirement, Cllr McCall said "It has been a great honour to represent the residents of Newport Pagnell South and the wider Milton Keynes over the last quarter of a century, and I feel I have manged to make a difference over the years.

However, I feel I have done my bit and it is time to make way for some new blood. Andy Carr has been selected to stand in Newport Pagnell South, and I wish him the very best".

Commenting on Cllr McCall's retirement, fellow ward Cllr Jane Carr said: "Douglas and I have been friends and neighbours for over 15 years, so I, along with Newport Pagnell, will miss him representing our ward."

"It has been a pleasure and honour to work alongside Douglas on the Council and here in Newport Pagnell South. Cllr Paul Alexander, Andy Carr and I will continue his work."

Deputy Leader Cllr Robin Bradburn said: "I have known and worked with Councillor Douglas McCall for over 13 years, and I thank him for his help on many occasions. His undoubted legacy will be his crucial role in making recycling so important to Milton Keynes."

"Having given 25 years of public service as a Councillor for his beloved Newport Pagnell, Douglas really has earned this retirement, and his service on the Council will be missed by both Newport Pagnell and Milton Keynes as a whole. He has truly set a high bar for the next Leader of the Liberal Democrats on the Council."