Cllr Ian Couzens to stand down as Leader

9.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Sep 2006

Cllr Ian Couzens

Cllr Ian Couzens has informed the Liberal Democrat Group of Councillors at Norwich City Hall that he has decided to stand down as their Leader.

Mr Couzens has been leader for 10 years, and has overseen the rise of the Liberal Democrats in the City to the point where 70 unbroken years of Labour Party domination of City Hall was finally ended in May 2002.

A spokesperson for Norwich Liberal Democrats said 'Today we have a more open City Council, where political parties compete for power. Ian's leadership is in large part responsible for that change, and it is a very significant achievement. We feel that it is good for democracy in Norwich.'

Mr Cozens made the decision to step down after having been a political leader at City Hall for longer than any other Councillor in the last 30 years. He felt it was now time for a change of leadership, but will remain as a Councillor for Eaton ward, and as a member of the new Shadow Executive. He wishes to help develop new strength and skills within Norwich Liberal Democrats, and to concentrate more fully on his own taxation advisory business.

He had taken the decision to step with reluctance as he had enjoyed the challenge of developing and implementing Liberal Democrat policies over a long period.

The four years of Liberal Democrat administration from 2002 -2006 had been a great achievement both for him personally but also for the party in Norwich. He was pleased to have led Norwich Liberal Democrats at the time of the victory in the recent Mile Cross by-election, and was looking forward to seeing further advances in the future.

Cllr Hereward Cooke, Deputy Leader, paid tribute to Cllr Couzens. 'Ian has been a greatly valued Leader who had kept the party together and on the move. He was respected by Councillors and members alike and had managed to steer the party from days of opposition to leadership. He had also maintained his contact with the campaigning base of the party while leading the Council with assured policies'.

Related Link:

Lib Dems Win Mile Cross By-Election.