Giles Archibald Elected Lib Dem Group Leader

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the election of Cllr Giles Archibald as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats on South Lakeland District Council.

Giles Archibald was elected as the new leader of the group on SLDC at a Lib Dem group meeting, and Giles will also be the Liberal Democrats' nomination for council leader at the Annual Council Meeting this week.

Giles has been councillor for Kendal Fell since 2012, and has been the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Town Centres and Small Businesses. He has also been a Kendal Town Councillor since 2010.

Tim said: "Giles is a fantastic councillor who has made an important contribution to the work which SLDC has done so far, and I'm confident he will make a great leader of our council. He has the experience and skills to continue to push the council forward and ensure that it continues to deliver for local residents.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Peter Thornton, whose term as leader has come to an end. He has done a brilliant job leading the Council, and his record speaks for itself. The council is delivering on its commitment to build 1000 affordable homes and create 1000 jobs, and is expanding recycling across the district. Peter has been instrumental in making this happen."