Lewisham councillors move on

2.34.52pm GMT Mon 5th Jan 2009

Blackheath councillor Chris Maines is the new leader of the Liberal Democrats in Lewisham

Two Liberal Democrat councillors for Downham have been forced to move on. Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Lewisham Council Mark Morris and his ward colleague Simon Carter have both accepted jobs that prevent them continuing as local councillors.

Mark Morris said, "It has been a tremendous privilege representing Downham since 2002. I have been offered a job with the Greater London Authority, but unfortunately the law prevents me continuing as a local councillor. It has been a difficult decision but I need a full time job, and given the state of the economy I cannot turn down this offer."

Simon Carter is in a similar position with his work moving to Holland. "I have always endeavoured to carry out my council duties fully and my job moving will not allow me to continue to do so. Sadly I have to stand down."

A by-election to election new councillors for the ward is expected in February.

The newly elected leader of the Liberal Democrat councillors on Lewisham Council is Blackheath representative Chris Maines. He said, "Both Mark and Simon have worked hard on behalf Downham residents and should be proud of their achievements. We hope that residents will elect Liberal Democrats councillors to continue this work."

The Liberal Democrats are the major opposition to Lewisham's directly elected Mayor and Cllr Maines promised to maintain pressure on the administration over the coming weeks. "The Mayor is about to set next year's budget. The Liberal Democrats know many Lewisham families are already suffering under the Labour Government and the recession, so we shall try to ensure people are not hit by further cuts or an unaffordable council tax hike."