Lib Dems take District Vice-Chair

Youngest councillor, 22, says that his appointment shows that “we can all work together to bring about a fair deal for all residents of the District”

At the meeting of Lichfield District Council or 9 July, Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Rushton (Whittington and Streethay) was elected to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Council. The previous Vice-Chair, Conservative Cllr Richard Holland (also Whittington and Streethay) has been appointed to the Cabinet position for High Street and Economic Development, following a reshuffle caused by the resignation from the Cabinet of Cllr Mike Wilcox, leaving the Vice-Chair vacant.

Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat group, proposed Cllr Rushton, saying, “I believe Councillor Rushton, in the relatively short time he has served as a councillor, has demonstrated both his capacity for hard work and his sense of duty towards his residents, as well as his work on the committees on which he serves. In addition, he has shown his willingness and ability to work with and cooperate with his fellow ward councillors, Conservative and Labour, and he will bring a spirit of collegiality to the post.” Cllr Ray’s proposal was seconded by the leader of the Labour group, Cllr Sue Woodward.

Cllr Rushton was elected by a majority of those present, following a show of hands.

Vice-Chair Rushton, aged 22, who graduated from De Montfort University last year with a degree in History and Politics, says that his election can serve as an example to younger people, and shows them that they could play a significant role in politics. “Having grown up in Lichfield most of my life, I look forward to seeing and learning more about our district in my new role. I hope that my appointment will also help other young people have an interest in local politics. It’s important that we work together and demonstrate a spirit of diversity, not just in our political opinions, but in our age and general outlook. I am very grateful for this chance to show that we can all work together to bring about a fair deal for all residents of the District, irrespective of political leanings or age.”