Ian Edwards to step down as Leader of Hillingdon Council

Long-serving Hillingdon Council chief Ian Edwards has announced his intention to step down as leader. The Conservative politician has served as leader of the council since 2021 and has been a councillor since 2014. 

The news follows the significant gains across England by  Reform UK, but the picture in Hillingdon is not yet clear and Councillor Edwards said he was standing down because of the challenges ahead.

He said: “Being the leader of this council has been the privilege of my life.

“The next four years will likely be every bit as challenging as the last, and this will require renewed energy and time. That is why I have decided, whatever the result of the local elections, it is the right moment for a new leader to take the helm.”