Cllr Paul Carter announces he is stepping down as leader of Kent County Council

Today Cllr Paul Carter has announced he is stepping down as leader of Kent County Council after 14 years.

Cllr Carter has been the County Councils Network chairman for the past four years, and will step down later this month having served his maximum term as chairman of the network.

Under Cllr Carter’s leadership the CCN has had significant successes, particularly in securing the Fair Funding Review, alongside making persuasive case for additional resource for care services and special educational needs funding, and forcing the previous government to abandon its forced academisation policy.

Below, the network responds to the news.

Simon Edwards, director of the County Councils Network, said:

“Cllr Paul Carter has been a hugely powerful advocate for county authorities for many years; well respected by ministers, colleagues and those within local government. As the longest serving County Councils Network (CCN) chairman, he put the county case forward persuasively and it has been a privilege to work with him for four years.

“Under Cllr Carter’s leadership, CCN has had significant successes during what has been an extremely challenging financial climate for councils. He was instrumental in securing an injection of resources for councils at successive funding settlements and forcing the previous government to abandon its full academisation policy. Most importantly, he was able to secure a commitment to the Fair Funding Review, a particular passion of his.

“We wish Cllr Carter all the best, I am sure that he will continue to play a major part in local government.”