DUDLEY Council’s deputy Labour leader is to step down as a councillor after 27 years as a member of the authority.

Councillor Judy Foster will resign with immediate effect at midnight on Sunday November 10, triggering a by-election in her Brockmoor and Pensnett ward.

The long-serving councillor says she made the decision to leave over concerns about her personal safety.

Cllr Foster added: “It was a difficult decision but necessary, it is something I have been delaying for a number of months but this is the right time to go.

“I was thinking about it in the lead-up to the election, but I was needed as an experienced campaigner.”

Cllr Judy FosterCllr Judy Foster

In recent weeks, Cllr Foster has also been standing in for group leader, Cllr Pete Lowe, who has been taking care of an ill family member but after his return to the front line she has now decided to stand down.

She has represented the Labour-dominated ward of Brockmoor and Pensnett for two decades, having previously represented Amblecote and the now-deleted ward of St Andrews.

In the 2024 all-out election, Cllr Foster retained her seat with 23.4 per cent of the vote, along with Labour councillors Steve Edwards and Karen Westwood.

During Labour’s time in control of Dudley, Cllr Foster has been cabinet member for regeneration and transport as well and deputy leader.

She has also served on the West Midlands police authority and as an assistant police and crime commissioner.

Her departure will trigger a by-election in Brockmoor and Pensnett and also an election within the Labour group to select a deputy leader.

Cllr Foster said: “I won’t be supporting any individual for deputy leader but if anyone needs any advice I would be happy to give it, I won’t have any involvement in the process.”

Dudley’s Labour leader, Cllr Pete Lowe, said: “It is with great sadness that I have been informed of Judy’s decision.

“Her contribution to the council, group and the Labour Party over the decades has been immeasurable and I feel irreplaceable.

“In addition to her duties as deputy leader, Judy has been a trusted confidant and someone I view as a close friend as well as a colleague.

“She will be sorely missed in the council.”