Liberal Democrat county councillors in East Sussex have a new group leader.
On Tuesday (February 24), the Liberal Democrats named Councillor Kathryn Field, county councillor for Battle and Crowhurst, as the party’s new group leader on East Sussex County Council.
Cllr Field, who has been a county councillor for 34 years, had previously been the group’s deputy leader. She is also a Rother district councillor and is that authority’s cabinet member for environment, licensing and climate strategy.
In a press release announcing the change in leadership, she said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of leader of the Liberal Democrat group at what is both an exciting but challenging time …as we move towards Local Government Reorganisation and the creation of a new unitary authority.
“On behalf of the Liberal Democrat group I would like to pay tribute to Councillor David Tutt who has led the group with passion and commitment for a number of years. He will be sorely missed.”
Cllr Field added: “The new unitary authority will give us an opportunity to re-set our priorities. Our communities are at the heart of what we do as Liberal Democrats and we are determined to continue to listen to what our residents are telling us and to work with them in partnership as we help to shape the future direction of local government.”
The change comes as Cllr David Tutt, the group’s current leader, prepares to step down as a county councillor.
Speaking to the LDRS, Cllr Tutt confirmed he will not be seeking re-election in next May’s local elections after a 46-year-long political career.
He said: “I am delighted Kathryn is taking over from me she is very experienced county councillor and has worked tirelessly for the residents of Battle and East Sussex for the past 34 years.
“It is my sincere hope that she will lead the county council after the May elections.”
While the government had initially planned to postpone them, county council elections in East Sussex are due to take place on Thursday, May 7.
Formal notice of the election is expected to be served on March 30, with the full list of candidates expected to be named on Friday, April 10. Anyone not currently on the electoral register will have until April 20 to sign up, if they want to vote.
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