Cllr Ric Metcalfe is to retire from his role as councillor for Glebe ward and Leader of City of Lincoln Council with effect from May 2024, following more than 42 years’ service to the city.
Cllr Metcalfe was first elected as a councillor for Lincoln in 1982 and has been Leader of the council for more than 20 years.
He was first appointed Leader in 1999 and has held that position ever since (with the exception of the period 2007 to 2011 when the authority was under Conservative control for three years and hung for one year). Prior to being appointed Leader he was Deputy Leader for 12 years (1987 to 1999).
Although retiring from his political position, he will continue his work at the University of Lincoln as a lecturer in Social Policy. Prior to holding this position, Cllr Metcalfe worked as HR Manager for Lincolnshire County Council, retiring in 2002.
Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “I have served as a member of the Council continuously for more than 40 years as Deputy leader of the Council for 12 years and then as Leader of the city council for more than 20 years.
"While it is always difficult to give up doing something you love and which you think is worthwhile, I have decided that I will not stand again when the next city council elections take place in May 2024.
"While still reasonably active, I want to spend some more time with my family, enjoy some foreign train travel and give a bit more time to my beloved allotment and continue my University teaching.
"I have been proud to have been part of a very successful Labour administration in Lincoln since 1982, who have enjoyed the confidence of people in Lincoln for most of the time since then, and who have helped transformed the fortunes of the city.
"I am also grateful to the voters of Glebe Ward who have unswervingly supported me since 1982.
"While leaders of organisations do make a contribution, in the end, it is a team effort and I have valued the support and contribution of many terrific political colleagues in helping the council achieve what it has for Lincoln over the years, and an outstanding team of paid officers at the council who have been highly effective in helping us realise our political aspirations.
"While many challenges remain, the council has a very clear sense of direction through its Vision 2025 plan and many more really worthwhile projects and programmes are still to come.
"I look forward to continuing to make an active contribution to the work of the council in my present role until my retirement in May 2024.“
Angela Andrews, Chief Executive of City of Lincoln Council, said: “Cllr Metcalfe has been an elected member with the city council for more than 40 years and leader for 20 years. During this time his vision and ambition have helped transform the city.
"His strong leadership and moral compass have helped guide the authority to achieve its ambitions and provided it with a strong sense of purpose.
“He is incredibly well respected by all who deal with him and his candour and intellect have ensured that those who meet with him hold him in high regard.
“During his time at the authority, he has provided a strong values-driven leadership, encouraging the contribution of all and showing compassion and inclusiveness across the board.
“He has made such a fantastic contribution to the city and all of his attributes will be sorely missed.
“We are very lucky that when he retires he will leave behind a strong plan for the future and a very capable and energised team ready to deliver it.”
Cllr Metcalfe will remain as Leader of City of Lincoln Council and councillor for Glebe until the local elections take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.