Councillor leading Shrewsbury relief road project resigns due to workload pressure
One of Shropshire Council's most senior cabinet members has resigned as a portfolio holder and councillor.
Richard Marshall, who represents the Worfield Division, and serves as cabinet member responsible for highways, has confirmed his decision to leave the authority – as of the end of today.
The Conservative councillor - who has been leading the council's most controversial project, Shrewsbury's North West Relief Road - said he had taken the decision because of the increasing impact of the role on his family life.
He said that despite his decision he remained committed to the relief road, and praised the council's leader, Councillor Lezley Picton.
Mr Marshall, who previously lost out on the three-person shortlist to select the Conservative candidate for the North Shropshire by-election, also said he would not be looking to stand as an MP for the next election, and is "not actively pursuing any seats".
He said: "I don't think people realise the amount of hours and work and commitment being a councillor and cabinet member is, and in all honesty it has been at the cost of my family.
"Things have to be put to one side for council because it is pretty full on."
