Lewes District’s Liberal Democrats have announced a change in leadership ahead of the next general election.
On Monday (May 20), Cllr James MacCleary announced his plans to step down as Lewes District Council’s Liberal Democrat group leader. He said the move was to allow him to “focus more time” on being his party’s parliamentary candidate for Lewes.
Cllr MacCleary says he will continue on as councillor for Newhaven South, a position he was first elected to in 2019. He will also remain county councillor for Newhaven and Bishopstone.
Cllr MacCleary said: “After years of the Conservative party taking us for granted, I am determined to give our towns and villages a strong voice in Parliament.
“Our area needs a strong local voice in Parliament who will get tough on polluting Southern Water and demand more funding for overstretched NHS services.
“It has been an honour to serve as council leader and then group leader, delivering for local residents and protecting vital services.
“I now want to take my experience of working for local people to Parliament, and stand up for our local communities.”
Seaford councillor Stephen Gauntlett is set to take over as the Liberal Democrat’s new group leader.
Cllr Gauntlett said: “I want to thank James for the huge contribution he has made to our community as council leader and leader of the Lib Dem group. He is going to be a brilliant new MP for our area after years of failure and empty promises from the Conservatives.
“I am grateful to my councillor colleagues for entrusting me with taking on the role of opposition leader on the District Council. We have a lot of issues coming up in the next few months including the council’s new Local Plan.
“I will lead an opposition that provides firm oversight and scrutiny of the council’s leadership.”
