Palmer steps down from the front-line (From Times Series)

Palmer steps down from the front-line

8:41am Saturday 17th May 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

The Liberal Democrat group has announced a new leader following Councillor Monroe Palmer's decision to step down.

The Child's Hill ward councillor and group leader of 17 years will be succeeded by his ward colleague, Councillor Jack Cohen.

Councillor Palmer, who was first elected to Barnet Council in 1986, said: "I think it is the right time to hand over the job.

"I plan to continue to play a full part on the council and am looking forward to the local elections in 2010 when I intend to campaign to be re-elected."

He will now take up the role as the party's group whip.

Mr Cohen paid tribute to his predecessor and said: "Monroe has set a standard that will be hard to beat. He is a remarkable character and he has led from the front."

Council leader Mike Freer said: "Councillor Palmer and I didn't always see eye to eye, but he made a great opponent in debates, and was always friendly and civil to me outside the chamber. I would like to congratulate him on his 17 years and I wish him well on his retirement from the frontline'."

Councillor Alison Moore, Labour group leader, said: "Monroe has had a long and distinguished career as a local politician, which I hope he will continue from the backbenches.

"He has always delivered his contributions at council, in cabinet and on committees with great passion."

Mr Freer, also announced a cabinet reshuffle to accommodate Councillor John Marshall's move to become mayor.

His role as cabinet member for libraries and primary schools rebuilding will be taken by deputy leader Councillor Matthew Offord, whose post as environment and transport cabinet member will go to Councillor Andrew Harper.

Totteridge councillor Richard Cornelius will become cabinet member for policy and performance.

Mrs Moore was unanimously re-elected last week as leader of the Labour group for the third year running.

Councillor Barry Rawlings was elected as deputy leader and spokesman on health and social care after councillor Linda McFadyen stood down as deputy leader and renounced her shadow cabinet role.

• Print
• Email
• Share