The current crop of councillors are the most talented Lichfield District Council has ever seen, according to the outgoing chairman.
David Smith formally stepped down from his role and position as a councillor at a meeting of the local authority
He said he was departing with a “very heavy heart” but believed the council was in good hands.
“It is a strange feeling after 25 years to leave,” he said. “But the time is right.
“This is now a council with Mike Wilcox in charge which will deliver.
“He has assembled what is probably the most talented council in its history. There are new people with fresh vision here.
“I part from the council with a very heavy heart.”
Cllr Wilcox, the man who replaced Mr Smith as leader, led the tributes.
“We may not have always seen eye to eye, but I always had total respect for David,” he said.
“Everything he did was with the best intentions for Lichfield District Council.
“He has an outstanding record of public service for the people of this district.”
