Yesterday, the Lib Dem Group on Surrey County Council elected me as their new Group Leader.

I am delighted to have been chosen by fellow Councillors to lead the Lib Dems in Surrey – especially after we had a great set of election results.

The Lib Dems gained 5 seats on County Council in the recent elections, resulting in the largest Lib Dem Group since 1997.  Although the Conservatives still control Surrey County Council, they have a reduced majority, notably down from before the election.

As the new leader, I will ensure the Lib Dems stand up for local people and provide effective opposition to the Tory administration on the Council.

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.  The County Council must cope with those pressing challenges, as well as deliver better value for money for taxpayers.