The new leader of the Liberal Democrats on Westmorland and Furness Council has been elected.
Jonathan Brook will take on the role after the party’s victory in the local elections, when they won 36 seats to take control of the new unitary council.
Coun Brook is currently the leader of South Lakeland District Council, was previously the council’s portfolio holder for housing and innovation and was elected to be the new unitary councillor for the Kendal South ward.
Westmorland and Furness Council will replace Eden Council, South Lakeland District Council and county council from next April.
Coun Brook said: “I’m delighted to have been elected Liberal Democrat group leader for the new Westmorland and Furness Council.
“The council election results were incredible, and it was truly humbling that so many local residents have put their faith in us to represent them.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a new council from scratch.
“I’m determined that this new council not only serves local residents, but also gives them a much bigger say in how services are run so we can work together to make our communities even better places to live and work in.”
Liberal Democrat Tim Farron, who is MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “Jonathan will be a fantastic leader, with the experience and the vision to set up this brand new council.
“Westmorland and Furness Council will be in charge of everything from building new housing for local people to providing social care for our loves ones.
“It’s a huge task to lead a council of this size but I can think of no one better equipped than Jonathan to make a real success of it.”
Coun Brook will now be nominated by the Liberal Democrats to be the new leader of Westmorland and Furness Council at the shadow authority’s first meeting on May 17.
The political make-up of the new council is
- Liberal Democrats 36
- Labour Party 15
- Conservative Party 11
- Independents 2
- Green Party 1
Cumberland Council, which will replace Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland and the county council will be Labour-led.
