New Lib Dem leader elected (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

New Lib Dem leader elected

May 8, 2008 5:01 PM

Cllr Steve Galloway and Cllr Andrew Waller at the Guildhall

Following the announcement of the retirement of Cllr Steve Galloway as Leader of the Council and of the Liberal Democrat Group, the Liberal Democrat Group has elected Cllr Andrew Waller to take over as its leader from 22nd May.

Cllr Andrew Waller is 38 and was first elected to the Westfield Ward of the former York City Council in 1994, and has been a City of York Councillor since 1999. He lives on Askham Lane in Acomb, and is currently Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services.

Cllr Waller said, "It will be a challenge to follow on from Steve Galloway who has served the city for so many years, and who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of York. Until the vote at Annual Council on 22nd May, the only certainty is that I shall become leader of the largest political group in the Guildhall, as no party group has a majority."

"As leader of the Liberal Democrat group I aim to build on the achievements of YorkPride and Safe City. York is a wonderful city to live in with high standards of public services. We need to take on the challenges of changing patterns of employment in the city. I have worked in confectionery and the rail industry, and have regular contacts with a large range of other jobs in the city."

ENDS

Details about Andrew Waller

Age 38, born in Yorkshire

Physics graduate 1990 Imperial College, University of London.

Has worked in confectionery and railway industries in York (Nestle-Rowntree 1990-1993) Intercity East Coast/GNER 1994-2006.

Has acted in three sets of wagon Mystery Plays with the Cordwainers Guild (1998, 2002 and 2006)

Attends St Olave's Church, Marygate.

In his spare time he works on his allotment on Holgate Road

School Governor at Oaklands (now York High School) for the past 17 years, and Dringhouses Primary, latterly Westfield Primary School.

Council Background

First elected to York City Council in 1994-96

Elected to City of York Council in 1999- present

Executive Member for Environment 2003-2006

Executive Member for Neighbourhoods 2006- present

· York's representative on the Regional Flood Defence Committee 2003-present

· Member of the Yorkshire Regional Energy Forum, and the Yorkshire Sustainable Development Board (in both cases representing the York and North Yorkshire sub-region).

Andrew is a member of the following:

Board for the Food and Drink Festival,

Member (and former co-ordinator) of York Friends of the Earth

Friends of West Bank Park,

Friends of Hob Moor,

Holgate Windmill Preservation Society

Trustee of Leeman Road Millennium Green Trust

Member of York Credit Union

Board Member for Citizens Advice Bureau.