Brentwood’s Lib Dem leader steps down to spend time with family

The leader of Brentwood’ Lib Dem group has stepped down after six years to spend more time with his family.

Cllr David Kendall, who retained his seat for Brentwood South at the county council elections last week, said it was a good time to “pass the baton” to one of his colleagues.

He will be replaced by former deputy leader of the group, Cllr Barry Aspinell.

Cllr Kendall said: “My commitment to my residents as a county and a borough councillor remains as strong as ever but I want to get more balance in my life and spend more time on my family and work commitments. I believe that stepping down now as leader will enable that to happen.”

He added that he was proud to have led the Lib Dem group and to have helped them grow, adding: “Being leader has been a tough but a very enjoyable experience and I go with many happy memories. I now look forward to working with the new leader and playing an active role in taking the group forward.”

Cllr Aspinell said that he had tried to convince Cllr Kendall to stay, “but, I understand his personal reasons for leaving the post to concentrate on his family, business, county and borough councillor roles.”

He said: “David has been a highly successful leader and has steered us through some difficult times and has left us in one of our strongest positions yet with the Tories poised to lose control of the council.

“We have a very strong group of talented councillors who will continue to hold the Tories to account.

“For me, I will be continuing his good work as we move in to interesting times in Brentwood.”