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Derek Osbourne Steps Down as Leader of Local Liberal Democrats | |
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7 April, 2001 The leader of Kingston Council's Liberal Democrat Opposition is to step down after eight years as part of the leadership team. Burlington ward Councillor Derek Osbourne announced his decision this week ahead of the groups Annual General Meeting where his successor will be chosen. First elected to the council in 1986 Cllr Osbourne has been a prominent member of the group for all of his 15 years on the Council, becoming chair of the Personal Committee during the 1986-87 Liberal Minority Administration. Whilst In opposition between 1987-1993 he was variously Personal, Planning and Social Service Spokesperson He became Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group in 1993 and Deputy Leader of the council in 1994. He was elected Leader of the Liberal Democrat group and the Council in 1997. During his time on the Council Derek Osbourne played a leading part in establishing the Neighbourhood system introduced by the then Lib Dem |
Administration. He was also responsible for many of the opening up of the Council initiatives and the internationally renowned "Striking The Balance project". He has sat on most of the Council's committees in his time and Chaired the Policy and Resources Committee at the time of the 1997 and 1998 budgets. He stood against Norman Lamont as Parliamentary Candidate for the Kingston seat in 1992. Commenting on his decision to step down Cllr Osbourne said "After eight years as either Leader or Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group it felt like a good time to let someone else have a go. During my time as leader of the Group I have been both leader of the Council and leader of the Opposition. I have enjoyed my time immensely and plan to continue to play a full part in the Liberal Democrat team on Kingston Council."
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