Liberal Democrat councillors at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council have unanimously re-elected Councillor Chris Abbott as their group leader.

Chris, a self-employed electrician, represents the Newcomen ward in Redcar with his wife Glynis. He has been group leader since 1999.

The group has grown from 13 to 15 members in the past year with by-election wins in Kirkleatham and Dormanstown, and is the main opposition group at the Council.

Chris’s Deputy will be Councillor Mary Ovens, also from Redcar (West Dyke ward). The Lib Dem Group will be again chaired by Councillor Irene Nightingale, who represents Ormesby ward.

Cllr Chris Abbott, said:
“I am delighted to be re-elected as leader of the growing Liberal Democrat group.”
“Council Tax bills are going up whilst Labour drags the Council down from 4-stars to just 2-stars, and is branded “negligent” for its irresponsible investments with Icelandic banks. Our Borough needs to have an effective opposition they can turn to hold Labour to account.”