After 13 years of loyal and quality service, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Conservative Group Leader John Dean is standing down at the next election.
He has been involved in local politics in Welwyn Hatfield for 26 years, first elected in 1991 to the district council, which became the borough council in 2006, for the ward of Hatfield East. He then moved over to represent the Brookmans Park/Little Heath ward in 1998. Five years later John became deputy leader before becoming leader of the council in May 2005.
John said
“I have enjoyed serving the local community. That’s really why anyone goes into local politics - to help the local community."
"The staff at the borough council offices are excellent and I have been blessed with fellow councillors that I get along with very well.”
Chairman Catherine Baxendale has already expressed her regret at his resignation, "After so many years of dedicated service John, has been an extraordinary leader over the past 13 years. Whilst we understand why he is retiring, this will certainly mark the end of a political era that John should look back upon fondly. I very much look forward to seeing him around the Association office more often."