LIBERAL Democrats on Leeds City Council have chosen Horsforth Councillor Chris Townsley, pictured below, as their nominee for Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2001/2002.

Under existing arrangements nominations are currently made on the basis of two nominations from the ruling group and one from the opposition.

Coun Mark Harris, Lib Dem leader on the council, said: "Chris Townsley was first elected for Horsforth in 1991 and was a key mover behind the establishment of Horsforth Town Council.

"I was very glad to support his nomination to serve as second Liberal Democrat Lord Mayor of Leeds after Coun Graham Kirkland's (Otley & Wharfedale) period as Lord Mayor in 1998-99."

Coun Townsley's nomination was unanimously approved by Liberal Democrats and has been

conveyed to the Lord Mayor's office and reported to the leaders of the other two

parties.