> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Lichfield councillor resigns from senior local authority roles after Friary Grange Leisure Centre backlash
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-councillor-resigns-from-senior-local-authority-roles-after-friary-grange-leisure-centre-backlash/
- Published: 2019-07-23T16:45:31.000Z
- Updated: 2020-05-02T17:39:28.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:18, News

A councillor has resigned from a number of key roles within Lichfield District Council after a backlash over plans to close Friary Grange Leisure Centre.

![Jamie Checkland](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/jamie-checkland.jpg)

Jamie Checkland

Cllr Jamie Checkland had previously stepped down as a governor of The Friary School over the row.

There had been [calls for the Conservative councillor to resign as an elected member](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2019/07/22/call-for-lichfield-councillor-to-let-voters-decide-on-his-future-after-friary-grange-leisure-centre-row/) after claiming prior to his decision to leave the board of governors that [his priority was the school](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2019/07/16/chair-of-governors-says-the-friary-school-wants-its-facilities-back-from-closure-threatened-leisure-centre/).

He has now opted to step down as vice chair of the strategic overview and scrutiny committee, and also relinquished his role as chair of the strategic plan work group.

Cllr Checkland cited “unjustified negative social media coverage” as the reason for his decision.

In an email to Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, he said: “In order to ensure the effective and smooth running of the district council’s development, I hereby stand down as the vice chair of the overview and scrutiny committee for strategy and from the strategic task group for the development of the next four year plan.

“I do this to ensure the good work that needs to be carried out by these committees is not distracted any further.

“I was grateful for the chance to meet with you where I was able to prove to you my integrity over my past three years involvement concerning the issues at the Friary Grange Leisure Centre.

“I submit this and offer my continuing full support for the future and the progress you going to make.”

#### “Grateful that Jamie has taken this step”

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant had previously [praised Cllr Checkland for acting with “dignity and honour”](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2019/07/20/lichfield-mp-says-councillor-who-resigned-as-school-governor-over-friary-grange-leisure-centre-row-acted-with-dignity-and-honour/) after he resigned from his role as a school governor.

His decision comes as Lichfield District Council continues talks with Staffordshire County Council and The Friary School over the future of the city leisure centre.

Cllr Pullen said: “I am grateful that Jamie has taken this step, which demonstrates his commitment to the further development of the council.”