Penza, 27 October 2015. PenzaNews. The Penza region governor Ivan Belozertsev has sent a request to Sergei Neverov, secretary of the General Council of United Russia party, to step off as the secretary of the regional party branch.

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“He finds it impossible to combine the two highly-responsible offices, and shows readiness to fully dedicate himself to work in the highest regional office,” reads the message published on the website of the Penza region government.

Ivan Belozertsev also requested to temporarily assign the obligations of a secretary of the regional United Russia party branch on Valery Lidin, chairman of the Penza region Legislative Assembly, while the regional branch prepares for a conference to elect the new secretary.

Ivan Belosertsev’s request will be reviewed during the nearest session of the United Russia General Council Presidium, says the press service of the regional party branch.

Ivan Belozertsev has been working as the secretary of the Penza region United Russia party branch since May 28, 2011, having been re-elected once on November 29, 2012.

As PenzaNews agency reported earlier, Ivan Belozertsev received the support of unrivaled public majority during the September 13 gubernatorial election – nearly 600,000 voters, or over 86%.

In accordance with the regional charter, the Penza region governor is elected for 5 years and cannot take the office for more than two terms in a row.

The governor’s term is calculated from the day their inauguration takes place. Ivan Belozertsev’s inauguration in Penza took place on September 21.