West Berkshire Council Lib Dem councillor Martin Colston steps down from executive role over stress

A West Berkshire Council councillor has stepped down from an executive role.

Councillor Martin Colston (Lib Dem, Newbury Central) resigned his post as executive portfolio holder for regeneration, growth and strategy development.

His role has been filled by councillor Louise Sturgess (Lib Dem, Newbury Central).

She will take on the new position starting today (February 1).

Mr Colston said: "Being a portfolio holder is a big responsibility and as I am also a sole trader with my own business, it became clear to me towards the end of last year that I could not meet my executive, ward, and business commitments, and this was causing ever increasing stress.

"I have suffered from mental health issues in the past and the warning signs were all there.

“So, I have taken the decision to step down from the executive which will allow me more time to work as a ward councillor for my residents in Newbury Central.

"I would like to thank all my colleagues and officers for their support and understanding, and I wish my successor, councillor Louise Sturgess, all the best in her new role."

Councillor Sturgess has experience working with global corporations in the fields of change and communications and WBC says she will be bringing this to her new role.

She said: "I wish councillor Colston all the best for the future and appreciate all he has achieved so far.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Martin in his capacity as ward councillor.”

She added: “I feel privileged to take on the role of executive member for economy and regeneration.

"My commitment is to continue to promote growth, inclusivity, and sustainable development to make West Berkshire a place that thrives on collaboration and community empowerment."

Acting leader for WBC Jeff Brooks has thanked Mr Colston for his work on the council strategy and expressed his support in the councillor’s decision to step down.