Cllr Bütikofer to resign as Leader of the Council

Date published: 11th January 2022

At this week’s Cabinet meeting, Cllr Sarah Bütikofer advised that she intends to resign as Leader of the District Council for personal reasons and will step down as soon as a new leader can be elected.

As has previously been reported, Cllr Bütikofer suffered two close family bereavements in the last year and has also now confirmed that her husband and fellow North Norfolk District Councillor Pierre Bütikofer is battling a serious medical condition.

In a statement, Cllr Bütikofer commented:

“I am giving notice that it is my intention to resign as Leader of North Norfolk District Council as soon as a new leader can be elected by both my group and then Full Council. Until then I will remain in office and continue to complete my duties.

“It has been an immense honour and privilege to have led this council for the last three years and to have been the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group here for the last five and a half.”

Steve Blatch, Chief Executive of North Norfolk District Council, commented:

"I would like to sincerely thank Cllr Bütikofer for the significant contribution she has made in leading the Council over the past three years. Councillor Bütikofer has in recent months had to balance dealing with extremely challenging family matters while working with partners, council officers and members in leading the Council through a year which has seen us all working very hard to contend with the impact of Covid in the District. 

“I know that the decision to stand down from the Leader’s role hasn’t been easy, but things such as family and personal health and well-being are more important than any public role and on behalf of officer and member colleagues we offer Sarah and Pierre our support, thoughts and best wishes in the weeks and months ahead.”

Cllr Bütikofer will continue to serve as Leader while the Liberal Democrat Group takes forward their internal Group processes to elect a new Group Leader. There will then be a vote at a future meeting of Full Council to confirm appointment of the new Leader of the Council.  At this time it is expected that this meeting will be at a date in early February.