Cumbria County Council has elected a new Chairman at its Annual General Meeting, held today in Kendal.
Cllr Alan Toole, Conservative councillor for Belah, was elected Chairman for 2007/8. Cllr Tom Clare, Liberal Democrat councillor for Kendal Castle, was elected Vice Chairman.
Alan Toole has been a county councillor since 1993 and a Carlisle City Councillor since 1984. He was also mayor of Carlisle in 2002/3. He said:
"It's a great honour to be elected Chairman of Cumbria County Council. I will now be able to represent all the people of Cumbria as well as the people in my ward. I am also looking forward to championing the cause of Cumbria outside the county. In taking on this role I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work put in by my predecessor councillor Allan Caine."
Cllr Tom Clare became a county councillor in 1997 and is also a Kendal town councillor and was mayor of Kendal in 2000/01. He said:
"I'm delighted to have been chosen as the council's new Vice-Chairman and look forward to working for the people of Cumbria in the year ahead and supporting Alan in his new role as chairman.
ENDS
Enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
Notes
The image shows outgoing Chairman Allan Caine (left) with the new Chairman Alan Toole (right, wearing chain of office)