Ralph steps down after a year as Chairman

On Thursday 22nd May at Cumbria County Council's Annual General Meeting, County Councillor Ralph Aldersey steps down as Chairman after a year in office. The election of the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman will take place at the start of the meeting at 10am, at County Offices in Kendal. 

Ralph was elected to Cumbria County Council in 1981 and has served on the Social Services, Police and Public Protection and Economy and Environment Committees. He is currently a member of Carlisle Local Committee and was the first Liberal Democrat to become Chairman of the County Council. He says: 

"It was a great honour to be the first Liberal Democrat to hold office as Chairman of Cumbria County Council and I have thoroughly enjoyed my year. The role of Chairman has been a challenging one and I have had many many highlights. During the course of my duties my wife and I have always been received with genuine pleasure and warmth. I have been very fortunate to be Chairman during the Queen's Jubilee Year meeting her on her visit to the County last year. It has been wonderful to see many of the Rural First Aid Projects develop after the foot and mouth crisis, regenerating the economy of Cumbria. I have opened many new developments including the new Ulverston Childcare Respite Centre and the new Botcherby Family Centre helping to support vulnerable people in our communities. Working in partnership with others has proved to be essential to make sure services are delivered to meet the needs of our people. I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to all my colleagues and the staff of the County Council for their continuous support over the last year."