Acting Council Leader Says ‘It Is Business As Usual Until A New Leader Is Elected’

Published on: 20 Sep, 2012
Updated on: 22 Sep, 2012

Cllr Stephen Mansbridge, the acting Leader of Guildford Borough Council, following Cllr Tony Rooth’s resignation, said, when spoken to by The Guildford Dragon NEWS, that it was business as usual at Millmead.

He said: “I will now concentrate on the business of leading Guildford Borough Council in the period until elections, party and council, are held and a new Council Leader is elected.

“Once in post, I hope that the new leader, whoever that may be, will be able to tell you more about how he or she views the future management and organisation of the Executive and the council generally.”

It is understood that Cllr Mansbridge is, himself, hoping to stand as a candidate in both the Conservative Group leadership election next week, and then, if successful the Council leadership election, expected to be held on 11th October.

Earlier in a Conservative party press release, the resignation was described as, ‘Leader Passes the Baton’.

It continued: “After many years of public service, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Tony Rooth, has stepped aside to provide an opportunity for the next generation of councillors to help drive forward borough initiatives and improvements.

“Tony was first elected to Guildford Borough Council in 2003 and immediately became a valued member of the executive; he was elected leader of council in 2010. During this time, he has served the residents of Pilgrims ward as a borough councillor and, for five years, as county councillor, stepping down in 2010 to take on responsibility as leader of council.

“All his fellow councillors thank him for his contribution as leader of council and his many years serving on the executive.”

Cllr Rooth was quoted as saying: “I have enjoyed my time as leader and on the executive, working with my councillor colleagues and officers to achieve success for our borough. Now is the right time to hand the baton to another councillor. I look forward to spending more time with my family, including my elderly mother and two daughters, and on other personal interests. I will continue to represent local people in Pilgrims ward and on outside organisations.

“I thank everyone at the council for their contributions to the long list of achievements in Guildford over recent years. I wish the new leader every success for the future.”

Councillor Stephen Mansbridge, added: “Tony has been the driving force of the local Conservative Party here in Guildford for many years. His involvement, drive and commitment to Guildford has been incredible and we owe so much to his hard work and dedication. We wish him the very best and hope he will continue to serve with us for many years to come.”