THE former leader of Lichfield District Council says he has stood back from the Conservatives for health reasons – but hopes he will return to the party’s ranks in the future.
Mystery has surrounded Cllr Mike Wilcox’s departure from the Tory group at both the district council and Staffordshire County Council.
He had previously stepped back from cabinet roles at both authorities earlier this year citing “health-related reasons”.
Earlier this week, both authorities switched online listings to show him as an independent councillor for both the Alrewas and Fradley ward at the district council and the Burntwood South division at the county council, with no official reason given for the move.
But Cllr Wilcox told Lichfield Live his health was behind the decision to sit as an independent councillor
He added that he hoped to return to the Tory ranks when he was “feeling better” – but declined to discuss how his membership of the party had directly impacted his health.
It means the Alrewas and Fradley ward at Lichfield District Council is represented by two former Tory members who are now independent councillors in Cllr Wilcox and Cllr Derick Cross, as well as Cllr Sonia Wilcox who has confirmed to Lichfield Live she will continue to serve as a Conservative.
