Liberal Democrats from Abingdon Take over as New Leader and Chairman of the Vale Council

4.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd May 2008

The Vale of White Horse District Council has a new Leader. Cllr Tony de Vere started work today (Thursday 22nd May) following his election at the Council meeting last night. He takes over from Cllr Jerry Patterson, who has led the Council for four years. Cllr Patterson will take on the role of Deputy Leader.

Cllr de Vere said: "I am proud to be chosen as Leader of this Council and I am looking forward to tackling the issues I know people in the Vale feel are the most important."

He will be focussing on market town vitality, better communication with Town and Parish Councils, addressing the problems of flooding, greater joint working and efficiencies and engaging all councillors in the decision making process.

Cllr de Vere said: "I know there are considerable challenges ahead for me individually and the Vale Council as a whole. I am very much looking forward to tackling those challenges.

"There are concerns across the Vale about our market towns. We live in a constantly changing community with different needs and new demands and the challenge is ensuring our towns are ready to meet these needs, not only for townsfolk but also for those people in villages who rely on our market towns for services. As a Council we already work closely with our Town and Parish Councils through the Joint Economic Forums, the Joint Environment Forums and the Area Forums and I want to maintain and enhance that work.

"Flooding is another concern of many people who live in the Vale as no one wants to relive the devastation caused by the summer floods last year. We have already started working with community groups to help everyone be better prepared and to help communities better protect themselves and their homes."

Tony de Vere represents the Abingdon, Abbey and Barton Ward, was elected to the Council in 1999 and is married to fellow Councillor and Executive Member Cllr Mary de Vere.

Cllr de Vere said: "I am serious about getting better value out of the Vale and this means looking at radical solutions. These solutions are not easy options and we knew we would find lessons to learn in our joint contracts with South Oxfordshire. These lessons will be valuable as we negotiate the new contract for waste and street cleaning."

At the same meeting Cllr Alison Rooke was elected as Chairman of the Council. She has taken over from outgoing Chair Julie Mayhew-Archer, who was in the role for two years. Until her election as Chairman Alison was Vice-Chairman for one year.

Alison said: "I feel honoured to be given this role. I look forward to representing the Council and all the people of the Vale and will do the job to the absolute best of my abilities.

"To do this I need to get out and about across the Vale and meet as many people as possible, supporting their events and good causes."

Her chosen charities are the Wantage Community Hospital League of Friends, the Abingdon Community Hospital League of Friends and Help A Hero, which supports men and women in our armed forces who have been injured while serving in conflicts abroad. She has chosen the three charities because they support people across the Vale. To help raise funds for them Alison plans a special concert performance and a World War Two Big Band night.

Alison was born and raised in Oxford and moved to Abingdon in 1979. She was a computer programmer and systems analyst before starting a family with husband Brian, who will be her official Escort. She was elected to the Vale in 2003 and represents the Abingdon Peachcroft Ward. Alison has also been a Member of the Abingdon Town Council since 1999, and was Mayor in 2005/06 and Leader in 2006/07.