A councillor is 'leaving on a high note' after she announced her retirement this week.

Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Skills for Westmorland and Furness Council, shared the news on Friday, August 30.

She has decided due to health reasons and described the sadness which accompanied her departure.

"I have enjoyed my time being on a range of councils but especially most recently as a councillor and Cabinet Member at Westmorland and Furness Council, our brand-new council," she said.

“I have always worked hard to represent and support my local communities and helped with continuing to improve services and environment such as my work on the A590 and on the Ironworks site visitor project.

"As a Cabinet Member, I have always had a special interest and expertise in working with and for children and their families, especially SEND."

The legacy Councillor Sanderson leaves behind:

Interim plans will now be put in place to cover her portfolio while a by-election is progressed to elect a new member for the Grange and Cartmel ward.

"We are really lucky to have such a talented workforce and I will miss everyone," Sue added. 

"Unfortunately, my deteriorating eyesight is affecting my confidence and ability to deliver my best – so it is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to retire.”

Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, discussed the dedication in which Sue has carried out her job over the years.

He said: "Sue has an amazing and fantastic track record and her achievements are many, too many to mention.

"And I can only thank her for all her hard work and dedication to public service, the council and to all the communities and parish councils that she has represented, so ably, for so long.

“Sue is leaving on a high note, and we wish her well on her retirement.”