MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by:
Simon Holbrook
Date of Issue: May 9^th 2011

Statement by Simon Holbrook

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people, council officers, political friends and foes alike, who I have worked with and who have helped me during my 12 years as a Wirral Councillor.

"I am proud to have served as Councillor for Prenton Ward, and thank the many local residents who have supported me and the Liberal Democrats during this time.  I would particularly like to thank those people who have stuck with the Liberal Democrats as we have attempted to do difficult things in difficult times.

"For most of my time, Wirral has been a Council where political parties have had to work together to get things done.  As Group Leader, I always sought to apply Liberal Democrat influence in the best interests of Wirral people.  The past four years have been particularly challenging as a coalition partner to both the other Parties.  I am particularly proud of the fact that, during the past 12 months, we have responded to the most difficult financial conditions ever put onto local government, without making the types of cuts made by other councils, protecting front line services and no compulsory redundancies. 

"Whilst I shall remain active in politics locally, I now intend to concentrate on my professional career within the Environment Agency.  I will therefore not be seeking election in 2012, but do hope to return to frontline politics at some point in the future.

"I pass on my sincere best wishes to all members of Wirral Council in the difficult task that I know still lies ahead of them."