Honourable John's taking his bow for sake of family
GLOWING tributes have been paid John Hudson as he retires from the district council leadership after more than five years as its chairman.
The 47-year-old is hanging up the official chain and standing down as councillor for Cam East after suffering a heart attack and the death of his mother over Christmas.
His last day as an Independent councillor will be March 20.
Council chief executive David Hagg broke the news to last the meeting of the full council.
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Coun Roger Sanders (Lab, Uplands) said: "John is an honest, loyal dedicated man. He is a real gentlemen in the way he approached everything in his life. I wish him well."
Coun Mattie Ross (Lab, Stonehouse) said: "I have nothing but admiration for John.
"He has been chairman since 2007 and followed in the footsteps of the late and great Sybil Bruce. It was a very hard act to follow and he took it on his own way. He said the chain of office weighed very heavily on him, he took it very seriously."
A year ago Mr Hudson faced an uphill battle after calling a snap inquiry to try to get to the bottom of an expenses row at Ebley Mill. He subsequently left the Tory group. He has been a councillor for almost 11 years.
Coun Dennis Andrewartha (Cam West, LibDem) said: "John has always been an honourable man, a decent man, a hardworking man. I have nothing but respect for him."
Tory group leader Coun Keith Pearson (Upton St Leonards) said: "He has worked hard as chairman and it was sad he had a heart attack. I wish him a speedy recovery."
John Marjoram (Green, Trinity) said Coun Hudson was "principled and stuck to his guns".
"Unfortunately, heart attacks are often caused through stress," he said. "I will say no more."
After the meeting, Coun Hudson said it was time to focus more on his family. He and his wife Angela have a daughter Hettie, seven, and twins Dominic and Georgina, two.
He said: "I'd like to believe my days aren't numbered. I don't know if they are but, if they are, I'd rather spend time with my family, with no disrespect to the council."
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