Mike ‘Burger Boy’ Flower – if he was chocolate, you could eat him. Bless. Image from the website of. Aldridge Brownhills Conservative Association

It’s with some surprise that I noted a post on the long dormant blog of Walsall Wood Councillor Mike Flower yesterday lunchtime, announcing that at the next election, he was to stand down.

I have wondered for a while if Mike was considering stepping aside – the fact that he is will be a sad loss for Walsall Wood. As Conservative, I agreed with very little of Councillor Flower’s politics, but I have always admired his honesty and contribution to the community; he works hard not just for the voters of the ward but also the kids, for whom he was a real champion.

Elected at 22, Mike is a youngster in a field of much older folk, and his presence was refreshing and welcome.

His work to secure the Oak Park Leisure Centre replacement was appreciated, and greeted here initially with disbelief; but I have to give it to the lad, he fought and secured what will be an excellent facility for Walsall Wood.

On the blog and social media, I often gave Mike hell, but I always respected his principled stand and commitment to his beliefs. He  took my ribbings and criticism with good spirit, and even helped to get a bit of long lost Walsall Wood back on the map.

There are many Councillors in Walsall who could learn a thing or two from the example set by Mike Flower. I don’t say that lightly, particularly as politically we’re polar opposites.

I wish Mike and his family all the best, and may he be successful in whatever he moves on to next – and maybe we’ll see him again down the road.

To me, the lad will always be Burger Boy…

Mike posted the following on his blog:

Mike Flower to take a break at the next election

It has been an honour to represent Aldridge North & Walsall Wood for the past nine years. However, I have decided I will not be standing for re-election in May 2015.

I am now 31. I have a beautiful wife and a handsome baby son who was born in February this year. We had a difficult and life threatening labour and my son spent his first week in intensive care with neonatal sepsis. To say it was a period of hell is an understatement.

I have decided therefore it is time to to take a break, recharge the batteries and enjoy the time with my wife and helping my son to grow up. Life is just too short.

I was selected to stand for the Conservative Party at 22, and elected three times. To be given the chance by both party volunteers and the electorate at such a young age is something I will always deeply appreciate.

Never say never, so maybe one day I’ll decide to stand again. Then again maybe it’ll be time for a new challenge…

I look forward to supporting the new Conservative candidate who will be selected in a little under two weeks and will continue to work hard for you until polling day next May.

Thanks for your support.

Michael & family