Camden Conservatives have elected a new group leader.
Belsize councillor Claire-Louise Leyland has taken over from Cllr Andrew Mennear, who is now deputy leader.
The decision was taken at the group’s annual general meeting on Friday.
Cllr Mennear, who represents Frognal & Fitzjohns ward, said he inherited the role from his fellow ward councillor and then leader Martin Davies after he died suddenly in 2010.
Speaking to the Ham&High this week, he said: “I inherited the leadership, it was never something I sought out, but the nature of the group back then meant it made sense for me to be doing it for a period of time. So, I’m happy to be handing it on.”
Cllr Mennear, who works full-time for BP, said one of the reasons he nominated Cllr Leyland was because she had more time to campaign ahead of next year’s local elections.
“Doing it now also allows our new leader to be out and about at events and activities ahead of the council elections next year,” he added.
The Conservative group were part of a Lib Dem-led coalition that ran the council from 2006 to 2010.
Cllr Leyland said: “The leadership wasn’t something I had in mind but being deputy for three years and looking ahead, we thought it would be useful to move the group around. This way, we keep the same skill-set.
“I admire Andrew, he’s been very supportive and he will be invaluable moving forward. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and think we can make a big difference.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here