VETERAN Lib Dem stalwart Ian Webster has retired from Redditch politics after 47 years of service to the party.
Ian first joined the Liberal Party in 1962 and has been an ever present in the local party since he helped reform the local party in 1974. Since then he has held a number of roles including chairing the local party, secretary and agent for every election since 1992.
He has also stood as a candidate in numerous local elections over the decades and was a key member of the campaign team for Church Hill where the Liberal Democrats secured a 12 per cent increase in their vote share last May.
Liberal Democrat Ian Webster.
Liberal Democrats across the West Midlands region have paid tribute to his dedication including Jock Gallagher, the president of the West Midlands regional party who said: “Ian has worked tirelessly for the party in Redditch since he became founding secretary and as an active member of the regional party too – we will certainly miss him.”
Mark Tomes, the current local chair said: “Ian has been central to everything that the Liberal Democrats have done and achieved in Redditch over the years.
“He has been a true servant to local democracy in Redditch, and across Worcestershire.
“On behalf of all members, I want to thank him for all he has done and wish him well for the future.”
And it’s not just the Lib Dems who have praised him.
A spokesperson for Redditch Conservatives said: ‘Whilst we disagree politically, anyone who serves the body politic for 47 years should be commended for their service to democracy, which transcends party politics. We wish Ian well in retirement.”
Redditch Labour added: “Ian has been a long-standing figure on the local political scene. We would like to wish him a very happy retirement and thank him for his dedication over the years.”
