New leader for GLA Conservatives
By Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Reporter
Conservatives at City Hall have chosen a new leader and deputy for their party on the London Assembly.
At their AGM yesterday, the Assembly’s nine-strong Tory group selected Neil Garratt as their new leader, who stood uncontested.
Mr Garratt has represented the boroughs of Croydon and Sutton on the Assembly since 2021.
He replaces Susan Hall, who has stepped down after leading the group since December 2019.
Mr Garratt said he was “honoured” to take up the post, and paid tribute to Ms Hall’s leadership, crediting her with having “transformed” the party group “into the capable and effective organisation it is today”.
As Conservative group leader, Mr Garratt will serve effectively as Leader of the Opposition on the London Assembly – a body of 25 elected members which scrutinises the Mayor of London.
Mr Garratt’s election does not mean he will be the Tory candidate for Mayor at the next mayoral election in 2024.
He has not publicly expressed an interest in running for that post, though two of his colleagues on the Assembly – Andrew Boff and Nick Rogers – have said that they will be putting their names forward.
Pictured top: Neil Garratt (Picture: London Assembly)
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