Wokingham Lib Dems select Councillor Coling Lawley as new Leader of Lib Dem Group (Wokingham Liberal Democrats)

Wokingham Liberal Democrats <info@wokinghamlibdems.org.uk>

Wokingham Lib Dems select Councillor Coling Lawley as new Leader of Lib Dem Group

November 14, 2003 12:00 AM

Following Councillor Alan Spratling's decision to stand down as Leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrat Councillor Group, Councillor Coling Lawley was elected as the new Leader of the Lib Dem Group at last night's Lib Dem Group Meeting at Shute End.

Coling Lawley has been a Councillor for South Lake ward for more than 9 years, and has been Deputy Leader for over seven years. He said, "Working as Alan's deputy has been a great experience and a privilege, and I wish him well on his road to recovery from his recent heart surgery.

"My intention is to make maximum use of the many talents and great experience within the Lib Dem Group to forge a distinctive set of policies to put before the people of Wokingham district and regain control of the Council."

Alan Spratling said, "The Lib Dem Group is in safe hands with Coling at the helm. He has many years' experience of local politics and I know that he will lead the Group with style. I've had a wonderful time as Leader of the Lib Dem Group, but now I'm looking forward to making a complete recovery from the heart surgery I underwent in August and to contributing to the Group as a fully active member.

"I won't pretend that leading the Lib Dem Group has been effortless, but it has been a lot of fun. I hope that Coling enjoys the experience as much as I did."

At the same meeting, Councillor Stephen Conway was elected Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group. Stephen Conway has been a Councillor for Twyford & Ruscombe ward for more than 9 years and Chairman of the Group for over 7 years.

Stephen Conway said, "I am looking forward to working closely with Coling and all my Lib Dem colleagues to develop the policies that will win us back control of Wokingham District Council."