Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority mayor Dr Nik Johnson to take three-month leave of absence for medical treatment
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson will take a three month leave of absence to receive treatment for an ongoing medical condition, it has been announced.
Cambridge City Council leader Cllr Anna Smith will lead the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in his absence.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority made the announcement this morning (Tuesday, November 8).
A statement said the decision followed advice from the mayor’s doctor at the Royal Papworth Hospital.
Dr Johnson said in a video posted by the Combined Authority: “Within the last few weeks, I have been given advice by the surgical team at Royal Papworth Hospital, that I need to take a period of extended leave for treatment of a medical condition. It goes without saying that I am incredibly grateful for all the care and compassion that the NHS has shown me over the last few weeks and months.
“The Combined Authority remains in good hands and I’m particularly grateful for all the team and particularly the chief executive for all the work and preparation they’ve done on my absence. Councillor Anna Smith, my deputy, will be taking over the role of the mayor going forward. I’m looking forward to coming back. I wish you all the very best for the rest of the year. And I’ll see you soon.”
Gordon Mitchell, the interim CEO at the authority, said: “I have spoken with the mayor, deputy mayors and leaders of the Combined Authority and have agreement that they will work closely to continue to deliver on the sustainable growth ambition, develop our strategy direction and the vital work that the Combined Authority is currently delivering.
“We all wish Dr Nik Johnson a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back when he is recovered.”
The Improvement Framework, which is currently under way, will continue to be progressed by the Improvement Board.
The Combined Authority says there “will be no impact on the delivery of public transport and the important bus strategy work, the delivery of skills, climate or infrastructure work”.
Cllr Smith will assume the statutory responsibilities of the mayor for the duration of his absence from Friday, November 18.
She replaces Cllr Lewis Herbert as the city council’s representative on the Combined Authority board.
Cllr Smith will be supported by Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, who is the Combined Authority’s non-statutory deputy.
Cllr Smith said: “I wish Nik well and a very speedy recovery from his operation.
“I would also like to thank Cllr Lewis Herbert for his service on the CPCA Board. He has devoted a great deal of time and effort to representing Cambridge and I am grateful for his dedication.
“It will be an honour to support the CPCA as deputy mayor while Nik is away and I am looking forward to working with all members of the combined authority on the challenging agenda before us.”
Cllr Smith will continue in her role as leader of the city council, and added: “As leader of the city council I remain focused on delivering our priorities of making Cambridge a fairer city that is addressing the climate change and biodiversity emergencies and the cost-of-living crisis.”
Deputy leaders Cllr Alex Collis (statutory deputy) and Cllr Mike Davey (non-statutory) will temporarily take on some additional duties while Cllr Smith is working with the Combined Authority.
