Councillor Tim Oliver has been elected as the next Leader of the Conservative group at Elmbridge Borough Council.
Tim won a vote of Elmbridge Conservative councillors on October 6th and will work closely with the current leader, Councillor John O’Reilly, over the coming months before taking charge after the May 2016 elections.
Tim is 54 and lives in Esher with his wife Debi and their children. He was first elected a Councillor for Esher in 1999 and was also the Surrey County Councillor for East Molesey & Esher from 2005-2009.
As Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources at Elmbridge Borough Council he has been at the forefront of the Administration’s success in making £8 million in efficiency savings. This has been achieved while protecting frontline services and the grants the Council gives to the voluntary sector in Elmbridge from cuts. These savings have enabled the Council to meet the challenge of a 50% cut in its funding from Central Government in recent years.
Tim has spearheaded the Conservative Group’s ambitious plans to invest in local property with the goal of making Elmbridge Borough Council financially self-sufficient from Government grant by 2020. At the same time Government proposals to allow councils to keep more of the business rates they collect may also impact positively on Elmbridge’s future prosperity.
Tim said: “I am delighted to have been elected as leader of the Conservative group. I believe we are entering into a very exciting period in the development of local government, with increasing control over our own finances and a greater ability to plan the long term future of this flagship borough. John has led this council over the past five years with great distinction and I very much hope to build on his achievements and continue to ensure that we deliver an excellent service to residents.”
Tim brings a wealth of experience to the role of Leader. He is a former chairman of the Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice and founded The Parabis Group, which he built into a substantial law firm.
Councillor O’Reilly, the outgoing leader, commented: “It has been an immense privilege to serve our residents for the last five years, helping to steer the Borough through a very challenging environment. Tim’s expertise, experience and commitment make him a superb leader as Elmbridge goes from strength to strength.”