Local Labour figures pay tribute as city council leader confirms departure
Councillor David Mellen has confirmed that he will not seek re-election as the leader of Nottingham City Council in May.
Every year, the majority Labour Group of councillors have the chance to choose the person they want to be leader of the council. Councillor Mellen has been leader since May 2019.
Mellen has been at the helm during a torrid period for the council. He has overseen the Covid 19 pandemic, reductions in council funding, Brexit, recession, high inflation, the collapse of intu, the closure of Robin Hood Energy and the imposition of a government-appointed Improvement Board.
However, he can also point to successes such as the opening of the new city library. He has also been at the forefront of the push toward devolution and the creation of the East Midlands Combined Authority.
At Last May’s Nottingham City Council elections, the Labour group won 62% of the vote, returning 51 out 55 Labour councillors and making Nottingham a Tory-free zone for the first time in its history.
Mellen’s colleagues spent Tuesday paying tribute to his record.
Alex Norris MP, Labour MP for Nottingham North, said: “Wishing David all the best as he finishes his time leading Nottingham City Council.
“David is a rare person both in politics and in life generally. He has superhuman compassion and kindness.
“He’s a great man who will continue to work hard for our community.”
Councillor Negat Khan, fellow Labour councillor for the Dales area of Nottingham city centre said: “Councillor David Mellen has led Nottingham through tough times but throughout he’s been calm, fair and thoroughly community-minded when making decisions.
“He will remain a valued colleague in Dales and on the Labour Group where his wise words will always be listened to. Thank you, David.”
Labour councillor for Bestwood and Top Valley, Georgia Power, said: “The past five years at Nottingham City Council have been awful, but we’ve been lucky to have David Mellen’s calm and thoughtful leadership throughout.
“David has served Nottingham and the Labour Party at a difficult time, and the next leader will have big shoes to fill.”
Fellow Labour councillor Steve Battlemuch added: “He’s spoken up for Nottingham City Council as leader for five years through difficult times. Best wishes to David for when he starts a new journey in May. However his work on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the city is a lasting legacy to be proud of. Good luck.”
