South Cambs deputy leader stands down from role after mayoral election loss
Liberal Democrat Aidan Van de Weyer has stepped down as deputy leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The decision will see Cllr Van de Weyer, one of the county’s most prominent Liberal Democrats, take a backseat following an unsuccessful bid to become mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in the May 6 elections.
Cllr Van de Weyer, who stood down from his position as board member and chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership last year, will continue to represent Barrington at the district council.
He said: “After a long mayoral election campaign, I have decided to take a step back from my position at South Cambs and recharge my batteries.”
Cllr Van de Weyer came third in the recent mayoral election behind Conservative candidate and former mayor James Palmer and winning candidate Labour’s Dr Nik Johnson.
He has been the statutory deputy leader at the district council for three years. Cllr Neil Gough has also been acting as a deputy leader, and will now take on the official responsibilities.
Cllr Van de Weyer added: “I am very proud of the election result that the Lib Dem team and I achieved two weeks ago. We took seats from the Conservatives at the county council and gained a seat at the District Council. And I was well ahead of my Conservative rival in South Cambs in the mayoral election.
“I will continue to support the fantastic policies that the Lib Dems are implementing at South Cambs District Council, and I will continue to serve the residents of the villages in my ward.”
Leader of the council Lib Dem Bridget Smith said: “Over the last three years Aidan has contributed so much to the Liberal Democrat administration of South Cambs. He has helped make our district a greener and fairer place.
“This is a well-earned break from a heavy role. I’m sure it won’t be too long before he is back.”
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