March 11, 2019 3.23 pm This story is over 68 months old

North East Lincolnshire council leader steps down due to ill health

Councillor Oxby has led the council for nearly four years.
Former leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Ray Oxby. Picture: Daniel Jaines.

The leader of North East Lincolnshire Council is to leave political life “due to ill health”.

Labour-leader Councillor Ray Oxby, who has been in position since 2015, made the announcement today.

It is understood Councillor Oxby was last week involved in a collision outside his house on Dursley Avenue, in New Waltham.

Humberside Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

Councillor Oxby has reportedly not been contactable since the incident and today did not chair a meeting of the authority’s cabinet.

Grimsby Town Hall. Photo: David Wright

The council’s deputy leader Dave Watson is set to replace Councillor Oxby and chaired today’s meeting.

He said: “I’ve worked closely with Ray since we were both elected at the same time and he’s done a huge amount to bring about a transformation in the area through initiatives such as the pioneering Grimsby Town Deal, the regeneration success we’ve attracted to Cleethorpes and a host of other schemes which will benefit generations to come.

“However, being in public life is a high-pressure role and my colleagues and I fully respect his decision and wish him and his family well for the future – our sincere thanks go to him for serving the area so well for so long.’’

He has been a ward member for South Ward Grimsby since 2012.

Following his resignation, which will take effect immediately, his seat in the ward will be the subject of a by-election on a date to be confirmed.