Cllr John Macklin

Liberal Democrats on Waltham Forest Council have elected Chapel End councillor John Macklin as their new leader at the local party’s Annual General Meeting last night. 

Cllr Macklin, who was elected to Waltham Forest Council in 2002, currently serves as the Cabinet portfolio holder for Service Modernisation.  He previously spent 13 years as a secondary school teacher in East London schools and now works at the as a senior university lecturer in Education. 

John Macklin replaces Cllr Keith Rayner in the role.  During Cllr Rayner’s tenure as party leader, the Liberal Democrats have gained the highest number of Councillors in the local party’s history, ousting the Conservatives as the second largest political group in Waltham Forest and becoming the only party to have councillors in Chingford, Walthamstow and Leyton/Leytonstone. 

Cllr Macklin has promised that, under his leadership, the Liberal Democrats will be an “inclusive party who are ready to listen to residents and implement ambitious and forward-thinking ideas for the good of our borough”. 

Cllr John Macklin said: 

“I want to lead the Liberal Democrats in engaging those who believe that politics in Waltham Forest has nothing to do with them.  I will make it a priority to involve those residents who have skills to offer and imaginative ideas regarding the running of their local Council. 

“The Liberal Democrats will prove that, when working with the people they represent, local councillors can deliver meaningful change for our borough. 

“This is an exciting time for the Liberal Democrats.  We are in a perfect position to challenge for control of the Council and to build on the excellent work our councillors carry out for residents right across the borough. 

“I am determined that we will continue to be the party that delivers for the whole of Waltham Forest”.