Councillor Carla McQueen is stepping down from Cambridge City Council with immediate effect due to health reasons. The seat vacated by Cllr McQueen’s resignation will be elected at the planned local elections in May 2023.

Cllr McQueen was first elected in 2018, representing East Chesterton ward and since that time has taken a personal interest in supporting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents- championing the rights of marginalised groups through her various roles during this period as Lead Councillor for LGBT+, equalities, homelessness and refugees. During her time as a Councillor, Cllr McQueen spoke passionately on issues related to poverty, including proposing a motion passed by full Council calling on the government to provide a universal basic income speaking for those who are struggling most.

In paying tribute to Cllr McQueen’s time spent on the Council, Leader of Cambridge City Council Cllr Anna Smith said:

“Cllr Carla McQueen has made a huge and lasting impact during her time as a councillor. In particular, in relation to her work to ensure that some of our most disenfranchised communities in the City have a voice. Carla has also been a hugely popular member of Labour group and has been a strong source of support to Labour colleagues during her time as chief whip. I want to wish her all the best in the future from all her colleagues. We will all miss her greatly.

Fellow ward Councillor Cllr Gerri Bird also expressed thanks to Cllr McQueen:

“As my ward colleague and friend, Carla has been a dream to work with. She is loved by our residents in East Chesterton and has fought hard for them, on a range of issues including in relation to supporting families with children with complex needs and on housing matters. We will all miss working with her.”