MP and council leader thank former councillor for her service

South Lakes MP Tim Farron and Leader of South Lakeland District Council Peter Thornton have both thanked former councillor Hilary Stephenson for her service after she resigned from the council on Friday.

Both Tim and Peter thanked Hilary after her outstanding contribution to the council and the party over the past six years. Hilary has decided that following her husband Jo's election as Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council, it is not possible for them both to continue to devote their lives to politics and local government at the expense of their family and home. Consequently she has decided to step down in order to support Jo politically and domestically.

Hilary became the acting leader of South Lakeland District Council in 2012, after the sad passing of Brendan Jameson. Hilary was also Chair of the Lakes Administration Committee and served Deputy Leader of South Lakeland District Council in 2011/2012.

Tim said: "Balancing family life and serving your community is incredibly hard and puts lots of strain on people and their families. I understand Hilary's decision and I want to thank her for her work in the council, but more importantly for her work in our community.

"Hilary became acting leader of South Lakeland District Council after the awful passing of Brendan. She worked tirelessly in the weeks that she was acting leader to keep the council running in what was an incredibly tough time for all involved. She was a passionate, determined and committed councillor who did everything in her power over the last few years to deliver for our community. She has a real record of achievement which she can be proud of. She helped freeze council tax for local residents for the last three years running and made sure new well paid jobs have come to South Lakeland.

"I want to thank Hilary for all she did and know that she will remain a good friend and colleague in the days, months and years ahead."

Peter Thornton added: "I worked with Hilary for 5 years and I know how passionate and caring she was. She fought tirelessly to make our council be closer to the residents it serves and she should be really proud of what she did. I want to wish her well and thank her for all her efforts."