South Cheshire councillor stepping down as Conservative group leader due to ill health

By Ryan Parker 1st May 2025

Wybunbury councillor, Janet Clowes, is stepping down as leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council due to ill health (Janet Clowes).
Wybunbury councillor, Janet Clowes, is stepping down as leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council due to ill health (Janet Clowes).

South Cheshire councillor, Janet Clowes, is stepping down as leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council due to ill health.

The Wybunbury councillor was rushed to hospital in March after she collapsed and was unconscious for some time.

The Tory group leader has taken six weeks 'much-needed' rest since then, but feels now is the time for someone else to take the top job for the Cheshire East Conservatives.

Janet Clowes was rushed to hospital in March after she collapsed and was unconscious for some time (CEC).

In a letter to fellow councillors, she said: "In consultation with my husband and sons, I have decided this is an opportune moment, to step back from the roller-coaster that is inherent in any form of political leadership and that has marked our lives as a family, for the past six years.

"In short, to take stock and re-set what has been a frenetic work-life balance!"

Cllr Clowes took over as group leader from Cllr Rachel Bailey when the Tories lost control of Cheshire East in 2019.

She will remain on the council as the ward member for Wybunbury.

Cllr Clowes thanked deputy group leader Stewart Gardiner (Knutsford), who has stepped up in her absence and Cllr Chris O'Leary (Sutton), who has supported him.

Janet Clowes will remain on the council as the ward member for Wybunbury (Janet Clowes).

She added: "I am deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to have held this role. It has been both a privilege and an honour."

The Cheshire East Conservatives will elect a new leader at their Annual General Meeting next week.

READ MORE: Nantwich man, 31, jailed for inflicting 'life-altering trauma' on ex-partner.

Free frtom clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Nantwich Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Nantwich Nub News on Facebook.

     

Please Support Us Nantwich. Your Town. Your News. Your Support Matters.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
By becoming a monthly supporter, you’ll help us continue delivering reliable local stories and events.
Your support makes a real difference to Nantwich.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide nantwich with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Nantwich. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience