The Leader of Newcastle City Council has taken a temporary leave of absence from his role due to ill health.
Cllr Nick Kemp is taking the leave of absence with immediate effect and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, will exercise the functions of leader during his absence.
Cllr Kilgour has stressed that she will continue to be working with both elected members and council officers to “ensure there is continuity”.
She said: “As a Cabinet our priority will always be the residents of Newcastle. They are at the heart of everything we do and any decision we take.
“I will be working with elected members and council officers to ensure there is continuity in our planning so we can continue to deliver against our strategic priorities.
“This is such an exciting time for Newcastle with investment in the city and opportunity for those people who call it home. It is very much business as usual.
“I have always served my communities with pride, whether that be as a councillor in West Fenham, in my position as a Cabinet member or as deputy leader.”
Cllr Kilgour has served as a councillor in West Fenham since 2014 and, in her role as Deputy Leader, worked with the Leader to provide political and strategic leadership across all areas of council delivery.