New leader for Islington Liberal Democrats

9.32.16am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Apr 2009

Councillor Terry Stacy

Islington Council's Liberal Democrat group has elected Councillor Terry Stacy as its new leader. This follows James Kempton's announcement that he will be standing down as Council and Lib Dem leader at the Council's annual meeting on 14th May.

Councillor Kempton announced his decision to stand down at the Liberal Democrat council group's annual general meeting on Monday. After serving on the council for sixteen years, he will stand down as the local councillor for St.Mary's ward at the council elections in May 2010.

Commenting on his decision councillor James Kempton said:

"Being leader of the council has been the most brilliant and rewarding experience of my life. But after nearly ten years as the Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Leader, I have decided the time is right to stand down. This hasn't been an easy decision for me to make but it is the right one for me and my partner.

"Like many Liberal Democrat councillors I stood for election all those years ago because I wanted to make things better for the area where I live. Unless you lived in Islington in the 80s and 90s it is hard to appreciate how much the then Labour council dragged Islington's reputation through the mud. It was a basket-case council and a national joke. You can't compare Islington today with those terrible times under Labour.

"I am proud of what we have achieved since the Liberal Democrats took control. Islington is now a more listening council and one of the best performing councils in London according to the Audit Commission. Last year, Islington's young people scored record GCSE exam results - more than double what they were under Labour ten years ago. The new Magdalene.Mary Magdelene Academy and the massive investment in new schools and children's centres will make a difference that will last for generations. Islington is undoubtedly a much greener and cleaner borough today and a national leader in tackling climate change. We have achieved all this while still focusing on giving our residents value-for-money. This year alone we identified £14million of savings to keep the council tax as low as possible.

"By handing over the baton now residents can to get to know our new leader, our team of candidates and our manifesto.

"Terry will be a fantastic new leader. He will bring energy and enthusiasm and command respect from all - nationally and locally. Terry has a long background of serving the community and his commitment to Islington is second to none. His campaigning background, common touch and common sense will make him a formidable leader. I wish him every success and I will be doing everything I can to support him."

Councillor Terry Stacy, former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, has been elected uncontested as the group's new leader and will now be the Liberal Democrat nomination for Leader of the Council at the annual meeting on 14th May.

Commenting on his election, Councillor Stacy, said:

"I am honoured that the Liberal Democrat group has chosen me as their leader and James will be a hard act to follow.

"I am a no-nonsense sort of boy - telling it 'as it is' and being up front with people are part of me, listening to what they have to say and acting on what they tell me. This is what my leadership will be about.

"Having been a social housing tenant nearly all my life and cutting my 'political teeth' in the tenants' movement mean that housing and putting people first in regeneration will be at the heart of what I do for Islington. The new council house-building programme now underway is an example of this commitment.

"I am passionate about Islington. I want a council that helps create a community we can all truly be proud of, where people feel the Council is working for them and with them, not against them.

"Money is on everyone's mind, even more now with people feeling the pinch so I am determined that the council should give more "bang for your buck" - delivering good quality services at a low cost.

"I can't wait to take the fight to Labour. Their Islington council tax rise has exposed the Labour Party for what it really is. Labour just want to make people pay more both locally and nationally - even in a recession. They cannot be allowed back into power in Islington."