Milton Keynes City Council leader Cllr Pete Marland announced he plans to step down as Council Leader after the next election.

Marland made his announcement in a speech after being named as Councillor of the Year at the Labour Housing Awards.

As part of his speech, Marland confirmed he will end a run as Council leader at the next election, with Marland also not standing for re-election in the Wolverton ward he represents when it is next up for election in May 2026.

Cllr Marland said in a statement, “I’m proud to lead a council that is recognised nationally as highly performing. All our statutory council services are now at good or better. We have made progress with our next local plan and the city is set to benefit from being one of the next generation of New Towns.

“I’m proud that over the past twelve years we have transformed the council and the reputation of Milton Keynes.

“I think it’s therefore the perfect moment for me to confirm that I will be retiring as council leader next May. I decided before the last set of local elections in May 2024 that I would not seek re-election again, and told the Labour Group and other senior councillors over a year ago.

“I believe it is right that the next chapter of our city, and leadership of the Labour group, should be taken forward by the next generation.

“I have no doubt that with such a good group of councillors, three amazing Labour MPs and a strong track record of Labour delivering for local people, the city’s best days are ahead of us, but I’ll continue to work hard as leader until the end of my term in May.”

Marland gave the speech after winning the national award, which MK Labour said highlighted how Milton Keynes City Council has led the way in sustainable development over the past decade, with a nationally recognised record of delivering well-planned growth with the infrastructure needed to support it.

During Marland’s time as MK City Council leader, Milton Keynes has received city status while all statutory council services are now rated good or better. A recent Local Government Association review of the city council stated that MK City Council was “Highly performing and well-run.”

Marland had previously lead MK Labour both when they entered power at Milton Keynes Council in 2014, having lead the council first as a minority administration, then in a full alliance with the Liberal Democrats, and then being elected with an outright majority as largest party at the most recent MK City Council elections in 2024.

Marland’s tenure was praised by Milton Keynes’ 3 Labour MPs.

Chris Curtis MP, MK North said, “I’m very pleased to see the progressive and well-planned growth of Milton Keynes recognised and congratulate Pete on the award.

“After twelve years as leader, it is impossible to fully convey how much work Pete has done in transforming the way people think about our city, nationally and internationally, and I’m pleased that over the past 18 months since I was elected as an MP we’ve been able to supercharge that work to enhance the city’s reputation even further.”

Emily Darlington MP, MK Central and former Deputy Leader of MK City Council, added, “It is great that the positive work that we do here in Milton Keynes has been recognised with this national award.

“I think it’s fitting that after almost twelve years and some major achievements this is the moment that Pete has confirmed he will be retiring next May. As a former Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member and now as a local MP I know first hand that during the dark days of Conservative austerity, in Milton Keynes we not only protected services from cuts, we improved them, and under a Labour government we will continue to fight to improve the lives of local residents.”

Callum Anderson MP, Buckingham and Bletchley, also commented, “Over the past twelve years, Milton Keynes has achieved milestones that many would have thought impossible.

“The city has been truly put on the map as a forward-thinking place to live and work, and his persistence means we’re ready for the next generation of growth, including affordable homes, jobs, better transport, and new infrastructure. I am glad that his years of hard work as leader is being recognised, and we will continue this work to make sure Milton Keynes remains a city of opportunity.”