St Albans councillor retires as Lib Dem group leader

TIME has been called on a councillor’s nine-year stint as Liberal Democrat group leader after he announced his retirement from the post.

Cllr Robert Donald has handed over the reins to Anthony Rowlands, St Albans district councillor for Ashley ward, following the party’s recent leadership elections.

The long-standing politician said he had decided to step down to give to other colleagues the opportunity but would still continue to represent Cunningham ward.

Cllr Donald, who led the council for seven years when the Lib Dems were in charge, said: “I will still be very much around on the council representing the residents of Cunningham ward as I always have in the past for as long as they allow me.

“Indeed I intend to play as robust a role as ever on their behalf in the various committees on which I serve in the new municipal year.

“I will also I hope be able to play a greater role in some of the church activities, statutory and voluntary organisations, community projects and charities where I already have some involvement.”

For the full story see Thursday’s Herts Advertiser.