Retiring Milton Keynes council leader gets rare glowing tribute - from opposition councillors
Liberal Democrat councillors have put aside their politics to pay heartfelt thanks to Labour’s retiring council leader Peter Marland.
Pete Marland announced last week that he would be stepping down as council leader next year after a record 12 years at the helm.
Fresh from scooping the tile of Councillor of the Year at the national Labour Housing Awards, he said he believed it was right that the next chapter of our city and leadership of the Labour group should be taken forward by the next generation.
This week the local Lib Dem group issued a special statement thanking Pete for his years of dedicated service and the “huge contribution” he has made to the city.
From May 2021 to May 2024, the Liberal Democrat Group worked closely with Pete through the Progressive Alliance, putting people before politics to run the City Council together.
Lib Dem councillors say this period demonstrated the very best of constructive partnership working and showed how collaboration across parties can deliver real results for local communities.
Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats leader Councillor Jane Carr said: “I’d like to say a personal thank you to Pete. To lead a council for 12 years is a significant achievement in itself. But to do so whilst leading a well-run, high performing council, that delivers a balanced budget year on year for that length of time is an even greater one. Pete’s steady leadership has left a lasting legacy for Milton Keynes.”
She added: “We also recognise the personal toll that such a demanding role inevitably takes, not only on the individual, but on the family who stand behind them and support them throughout. Public service at this level requires immense commitment and sacrifice. Pete’s knowledge, humour and support will be greatly missed across the council chamber.
"On behalf of MK Liberal Democrats, we wish Pete and his family the very best for the future.”
Pete triumphantly led Labour to their first majority on the council in almost 30 years in May last year. He will now not be standing for re-election in May 2026 in his Wolverton seat.