Cllr Niyall Phillips is set to resign from his roles on Westmorland and Furness Council and Barrow Town Council on April 10th. He will be relocating to Australia for two years for work with BAE Systems.
During his four years in office, Cllr Phillips represented the Hawcoat and Newbarns ward. He has been involved in various initiatives, particularly those related to armed forces issues.
Reasons for Resignation
Cllr Phillips expressed excitement about moving to Australia, stating he has never been there before. He considers this opportunity a significant career move, although he feels a sense of disappointment in leaving his council roles.
Reflections on His Tenure
Looking back on his time as a councillor, Cllr Phillips described it as a privilege to serve the community. He acknowledged the challenges faced, such as the slow pace of some projects, but noted the satisfaction of achieving small victories.
Notable Achievements
Among his proudest moments, Cllr Phillips highlighted witnessing the proclamation of the new King following the Queen’s passing. He also mentioned signing the Armed Forces Covenant, which has positioned Barrow as a leader in supporting armed forces personnel.
Future Aspirations
Cllr Phillips hopes to return to local government in the future. He believes that opportunities like his current one are rare and worth pursuing, even if it means stepping away from his current responsibilities.
Next Steps for the Council
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has reached out to both councils regarding potential by-elections following Cllr Phillips’ resignation. This will ensure that the residents of Hawcoat and Newbarns continue to have representation.
