New LGA Lib Dem team announced - 3 August 2007
"A strong blend of youth and experience" is the opinion of Cllr Richard Kemp as he launches the new Lib Dem team at the Local Government Association following elections held last month.
Experience comes in the shape of former MP Cllr David Bellotti (Bath) who becomes the Lib Dem spokesperson and Vice Chair of the Children and Young People Board and Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill who becomes Lib Dem spokesperson and Deputy Chair of the Environment Board.
Youth comes in the form of Cllr Allan Siao Ming Witherick (St Albans) who at the age of 26 becomes the Lib Dem Spokesperson and deputy chair of the Safer Communities. Allan is the youngest person to become a spokesperson for any party at the LGA. He is also the first person from an ethnic minority to hold a main spokesperson position.
Compared however to the Lib Dems youngest Board Member Allan is quite elderly. At the age of 19 Cllr Steve Bridgett (Alnwick) becomes the Lib Dems permanent substitute on the Children and Young Peoples Board. Cllr Bridgett, who was only elected this May, is by far the youngest person to take up a major national position.
"I am delighted that the electoral process which only the Liberal Democrats have at the LGA has returned such a strong team", says Cllr Kemp who was returned unopposed as Leader. "This will enable the Liberal Democrats to make their mark inside the LGA and to help the LGA make its mark on the public sector for all local government".
Editors Note:
Other major spokesperson positions remain unchanged with Cllr Chris White as Chair of Culture, Media and Sport; Cllr David Rogers (Lewes) as Chair of Community Well Being; Cllr Sir David Williams (Richmond) remains as Vice Chair of the Improvement Board; Cllr Pat Aston (Kerrier) remains Deputy Chair of the Rural Commission; and Cllr Greg Stone remains Deputy Chair of the Urban Commission