Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler to head opposition on the council

Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler

The Conservative group leader in Hammersmith and Fulham has announced he will step back from the role.

Councillor Andrew Brown will be replaced by councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler, who was his deputy.

Mr Brown, of Town ward in Fulham, will become deputy in her place.

“It was a difficult decision. Being leader of the opposition and Conservative group leader was a huge honour and privilege and something I very much enjoyed doing,” said Mr Brown, who took the helm three years ago.

He continued, “It’s one of those roles that you have to dedicate yourself to. I’ve been involved in H&F politics for 17 years, which is almost half my life. I’m very proud of what I have achieved over that time.”

Asked for his highlights of the last few years, he said the local party were “proud” to have helped Tony Devenish become re-elected as London Assembly Member for the West Central area.

He said another highlight was “working with the Health Secretary Matt Hancock” to stop the closure of Charing Cross Hospital, which was part of the Government’s controversial Shaping a Healthier Future reforms.

He added, “I will do all I can to support the group and the borough before the next local elections in 2022.”

Ms Brocklebank-Fowler, who also represents Town ward, said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been elected as leader of the Conservative group in LBHF.

“I want to thank Cllr Andrew Brown and am very pleased that he’s agreed to be the deputy leader.

“I care deeply about our borough where I have lived for over 30 years and am excited at the prospect of success in this coming election year.”

Owen Sheppard - Local Democracy Reporter

May 14, 2021