Council leader to stand down after health scares

The leader of Plymouth City Council will stand down in 2027 amid health concerns, he has announced.

Tudor Evans has been leader of the Labour group on the city council for 29 years and served five terms as council leader.

He said it was time to "put health and family first" after 38 years in politics following "two health scares over the last three years". He added it was a "difficult decision" as it played had a big part in his life, and was one that he had not "taken lightly", but added that felt he had done his bit.

Evans has been a councillor for Ham ward of Plymouth since 1988 and has led the Labour group since 1998. He is due to remain leader until the elections in May 2027.

In May 2023, he was made leader of the council after his party won control from the Conservatives during those local elections.

"I'm leaving while Plymouth is on the up", Evans said.

He said the city's economy was stronger than it has been and was "immensely proud" of works conducted at both the Box Museum and Armada Way

He said he was sad to leave but was looking forward to spending more time with his partner and his grandchildren.

He also thanked the people of Ham who had elected him 11 times in a row.

"They have given me an extraordinary opportunity to represent them in the council chamber. I will be forever grateful for the faith they have repeatedly placed in me," he said.

Deputy council leader Jemima Laing said Evans was an "extraordinary leader" and his passion and commitment to Plymouth was "unrivalled".

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