A secret ballot among Elmbridge’s Conservative councillors has selected Hersham South Councillor John O’Reilly to take over as leader of the party next year.
The decision was made at a Conservative councillor group meeting on Thursday, December 3, and Coun O’Reilly is expected to succeed Councillor Roy Taylor as “leader elect” when he steps down at the next elections in May 2010.
Coun O’Reilly said: “It is a tremendous honour to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as their next leader. Roy will be a very hard act to follow and the Conservative group owes him a huge debt of gratitude.
“I am proud to have been a member of Roy’s team for the past four years and this close collaboration will continue in the months ahead, on behalf of all our residents.”
Coun Taylor said his successor would bring a great deal of experience to the council and described him as a valuable asset.
He said: “I sincerely hope that the public continue to give us the support we have enjoyed over the past two or three years and if that continues and strengthens, John will automatically become leader of the council for 2010-11.
“I look forward to working closely with John over the next few months to ensure a seamless transition.”
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