May 12, 2008
Gareth Epps elected as Liberal Democrat group leader in Reading
Cllr Gareth Epps, Liberal Democrat councillor for Katesgrove, was elected unopposed at a group meeting on Saturday afternoon as the new leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Reading Borough Council.
Gareth – with long experience in forming Liberal Democrat policy at national level – takes over from Bob Green, who stood down from the Council on 1 May after 7 years leading the Liberal Democrats in Reading. Under Bob the number of Liberal Democrat seats grew at each of the last three local elections.
Gareth says:-
‘I’m delighted to have such clear support to take up this challenge, at a time of such clear opportunity for Liberal Democrats in Reading.
‘Bob Green has done a tremendous job for the Liberal Democrats. His expertise and authority has won respect across party lines. We will miss his direct input – though I’m glad to be able to count on his advice. I’m glad to say he is in great spirits and feeling better every day.
‘The people of Reading voted for change on 1 May. My first task is to make sure that we deliver that change. Reading needs a Council that listens and responds to local people’s concerns. Liberal Democrats will work not to deliver the agendas of others – but the agenda of real change. We have asked the Labour and Conservative groups to respond to our manifesto – which is available publicly – for this exact reason.’
