Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE has announced she will step down as the leader of Luton Council in Bedfordshire on 19 May 2026. This change in leadership will mark the end of her long-standing time heading the town’s local government and will lead to the appointment of a new person to oversee local services and community funding.
While she is leaving the top job, Councillor Simmons will continue to serve the community as a local representative for the Lewsey ward. She has confirmed that she is not leaving politics entirely and plans to stay active in her role as a ward councillor after her resignation as leader takes effect.
The council has stated that the decision is a personal one and is not related to any health issues or a full retirement from public life. The move is intended to allow for an organised change in management before the council begins its next phase of work for the residents of the town.
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