Surrey County Council Lib Dems appoint new Leader

The Liberal Democrat group on Surrey County Council have appointed Cllr Chris Botten as Group Leader following the retirement of Cllr Hazel Watson from the group leadership.

Cllr Botten, who has represented Caterham Hill division since 2017, said:

"Hazel has worked incredibly hard over many years and I will be looking to build on her strong legacy. It is fitting that her 25 years as a county councillor will be celebrated at next week's Council AGM.

"I am looking forward to this new role and the challenges it will bring. Having led the opposition on Tandridge District Council for 10 years, I will offer a robust and detailed challenge to the Conservative administration at County Hall. We will air residents' concerns and champion their cause as the very severe cuts to come will bite into essential services for children and the vulnerable."

Cllr Hazel Watson will continue to represent the residents of Dorking Hills on the County Council, an area that she has represented for the last 25 years.

Cllr Watson said:

"I congratulate Chris on taking over the leadership of the Liberal Democrats at County Hall and look forward to supporting him in his new role".

NOTES

- Cllr Botten will be standing down as Lib Dem Group Leader on Tandridge District Council to focus on his new role but will remain a District and Parish Councillor.