After 22 years as Leader of Braintree District Council, Cllr Graham Butland has announced his intention to stand down as Leader at the Council’s AGM on 28 May 2026.
Cllr Butland was first elected to Braintree District Council in May 2003 and represents Great Notley & Black Notley ward. Cllr Butland joined the council’s Cabinet in June 2003 and was appointed as the Cabinet Member for Health and Community. In 2004 he was appointed Leader of the Council.
Cllr Graham Butland, said: “It has been an enormous privilege and honour to be Leader since 2004 and serving our community in this role. After 22 years leading the district through fantastic but also challenging times, and with the Government expected to announce its decision on the future configuration of local government later this month, now is the right moment for me to hand over the leadership, to enable a new leader to guide the council as it merges into the new local government framework for Greater Essex.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the Braintree district over these years, and it has been a true privilege to meet so many inspiring people who work day in day out to make the Braintree district the amazing place that it is. I am grateful to everyone who has given me such great support over that time.
“I intend to remain a BDC Councillor until the council ceases to exist and will support the new Leader in whatever way I can.”
The process to appoint a new Leader will take place in line with the council’s constitution. Cllr Graham Butland remains Leader until this takes place will continue to be a councillor for the Great Notley & Black Notley ward.