Brian Watkins is new Lib Dem Leader

10.40.58am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 25th Mar 2008

Brian Watkins

Brian Watkins has been chosen as the new leader of Norwich City Council's Liberal Democrat group.

Councillor Watkins, who is currently the deputy leader, will take over from Hereward Cooke who is retiring from the council in May. Brian Watkins praised the contribution of his predecessors and looked forward to the future of the party in Norwich.

''I am delighted to be taking on the role of leading the Liberal Democrat Group at City Hall. It is a great honour, and I thank my colleagues for giving me their support and encouragement. It will be no easy task following in the illustrious footsteps of both Ian Couzens and more latterly Hereward Cooke, both of whom have served the party with great distinction in recent times.

"The Liberal Democrats have a large part to play in shaping the future destiny of Norwich. We can look back with pride at our achievements as the administration at City Hall between 2002-2006, but now we must look to the future. The next few years will see a period of great change for the city. The Lib Dems will aim to be a distinctive independent force, campaigning relentlessly on those issues that will help to both protect and strengthen local communities in Norwich. We will be powerful advocates for a greener more sustainable lifestyle in which all citizens play their part, whilst supporting the enterprise culture which underpins a strong, prosperous local economy.

"Most of all, Liberal Democrats want to bring forward new initiatives which extend public participation in the decision making processes at City Hall. People are very cynical about politicians these days, and we must do whatever we can to start changing these perceptions.''

The selection was welcomed by outgoing leader Hereward Cooke: "It is with great pleasure that I support the selection by the Liberal Democrat Group at City Hall of Cllr Brian Watkins as its next Leader. He has the total backing of all Councillors as well as the party outside City Hall. The Group's confidence in his capacity to fulfil this role is based on his experience as an active campaigner over many years, his Shrieval year at City Hall and the way that he tackles each policy-matter with energy and directness. He will lead the party into the next Council elections on May 1st with my full backing. I am sure that he will do a first class job for the Liberal Democrats and the City."

Norwich South Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman Simon Wright said:

"I am delighted that Brian has been chosen as the new leader of the Lib Dem council group. He has enormous enthusiasm and ambition both for Norwich and the Lib Dem party. Having been a councillor for nearly 25 years, Brian brings a wealth of experience to the role of leader. The Lib Dem group at City Hall has been facing many changes over recent years, with some councillors leaving and new ones coming in. Under Brian's leadership, the new Liberal Democrat team in Norwich has a bright future ahead."

This announcement means the Lib Dems now have new leadership at both local and national level. In December last year, Nick Clegg was elected leader of the national party and he has already announced innovative and exciting policies on improving health care, tackling climate change and reforming the political system.

Brian Watkins has been active in local politics since he joined the Liberal Party in 1976. He was first elected to the City Council in 1983. He remained a City Councillor for 12 years serving on most of the Council's major committees. He held the ancient office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1990/01, and was Liberal Democrat Group Leader in 1991 - 1994. After a voluntary break of 5 years, he was re-elected to the Council in 2000 as a member for Eaton Ward, where he lives and is an active campaigner. Brian was a leading member of the Liberal Democrat administration between 2002 - 2006, serving as the Council Executive member for Enterprise (covering the local economy, arts and sport). He was also Chair of the Norwich Airport Board, helping to oversee its transition to private ownership in 2004. Brian has also been a trustee of Norwich Consolidated Charities and the Norwich Arts Centre.

Brian is currently working at the University of East Anglia, and also operates a local business offering English language tuition to foreign adults. He is a former trustee of the Forum Trust (along with Consolidated Charities and Arts Centre), and served as a school governor for over 20 years

In his spare time, Keen sportsman - plays golf and tennis, Norwich City supporter and a regular at Carrow Road. Likes listening to music and going to theatre and cinema, "When I have time!"