Cllr Anton Georgiou will be the new leader – a position he held until his resignation in 2024
The Brent Liberal Democrats have announced a new leader of the group after Friday’s local election results, which saw the party increase its members on the council to 11.
The move sees former Leader Cllr Anton Georgiou return to the role following his re-election in Alperton. The ruling Labour group lost control of Brent Council last week after losing 17 councillors, leaving it remaining as the largest party but falling short of an overall majority. The Greens took nine seats, whilst the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both won 11 – it’s unclear which one of the two will form the official opposition party.
Cllr Georgiou, who was Liberal Democrat leader between 2022 and late 2024 before resigning as a councillor due to personal reasons – was unanimously voted in to return to the role at a meeting of the party’s councillors over the weekend. He will resume the position after Cllr Paul Lorber stood down.
With an increased number of councillors, the party will have more representation on council committees – meaning they will have greater power to influence decision-making on issues including planning and licensing, as well as being able to question outcomes at scrutiny meetings.
Cllr Georgiou described Friday’s (May 8) election results as “a milestone” for the party and claimed the new team of Liberal Democrat councillors are “dedicated to being real champions for their communities”.
He added: “I want to pay tribute to Paul, who has been a mentor and friend for well over a decade. His commitment, over many years, to working in the interests of local people and to holding Brent Council to account, will continue with the Brent Liberal Democrat team that I proudly now lead.”
Outgoing leader Cllr Lorber – who will stay on as a councillor after comfortably winning his seat in Sudbury – said the party played “a key role” in Labour losing its control of the local authority.
He added: “I take great pride in my contribution to this success and feel this is the right time to hand over the leadership. Among our 11-strong Liberal Democrat Group we have many talented people.
“I am pleased that Anton Georgiou was elected unanimously to take over from me and to tackle the new challenges facing our area. He will lead a confident group that will challenge Brent Council to deliver much more for our residents.”
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