Labour councillor Shaz Nawaz is to stand down as leader of the Labour group on Peterborough City Council and will resign as a city councillor.
Cllr Nawaz announced today his resignation will force a by election in his Park Ward on May 4.
“I am genuinely excited to start a new business venture, which means I will be out of the country for extended periods,” he explained in a column he writes for the Peterborough Telegraph.
“The team I leave behind will continue to cooperate and challenge when necessary. There is no time to sit on our laurels,” he said. “Time and tide wait for no person.”
Tributes to his leadership over nearly six years were led by Andrew Pakes, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Peterborough.
“Labour is like family to me,” said Mr Pakes. “And I couldn’t be prouder to call Shaz Nawaz a friend.
“Councillors get so little recognition. So, thank you Shaz as you step down as Labour Group Leader.
“For being a great champion for Labour in Peterborough and for Peterborough. Enjoy your next steps.”
MP Paul Bristow said: “Shaz Nawaz and I obviously had political differences.
“But he has always been friendly, and as a councillor had our city’s best interests at heart.
“I wish him all the very best for future.”
