Lib Dems in Surrey choose new Group Leader

The Lib Dem Group on Surrey County Council has elected Will Forster as its new Group Leader.

Will Forster, County Councillor for Woking South, was chosen as the new Leader of the Lib Dem Group on Surrey County Council at a meeting between members this morning. He succeeds Councillor Chris Botten, who narrowly lost his seat in the recent election.

Councillor Will Forster is in his fourth term on the County Council having been just re-elected with 58% of the vote. During his time as a County Councillor, Will Forster has succeeded in getting the Council to pay their staff the living wage, declare a climate emergency and give young care leavers a 100% discount on their council tax.

The Lib Dem Group also elected Fiona White as their Deputy Group Leader and Stephen Cooksey as Group Chairman. Both Fiona White and Stephen Cooksey are highly experienced Councillors, representing the Guildford West division and Dorking South and Holmwoods seats respectively.

Lib Dem Group Leader, Councillor Will Forster, said:

"I am delighted to have been elected as Leader of the Lib Dem Group at Surrey County Council. The Lib Dem Group and I will stand up for local people and provide effective opposition to the Conservative administration at County Hall."

"This is a critical time for local people and our county - as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic, tackle climate change and respond to the impact of Brexit. Surrey County Council must cope with those pressing challenges, as well as deliver better value for money for council tax payers."

"I look forward to leading our talented, committed and newly expanded group of County Councillors in representing our local communities. The Lib Dem Group has an ideal mix of new and returning members, many of whom come with experience of running services at Borough/District Council level."

"The whole group has been invigorated by our election successes and we want to bring a new energy to the job of opposing this Tory administration; but we also want to make a position contribution, with new ideas and perspectives for improving the post pandemic lives of Surrey residents."