A familiar face will be leading the Uttlesford Liberal Democrat Group into next year’s local elections.

Cllr Alan Dean, who was last leader of the district council in 2005, was voted in to the position by his fellow Lib Dem councillors at the group’s AGM on Monday night.

He replaces Elizabeth Parr who has taken more of a back seat due to work commitments.

Cllr Iris Evans was selected as the group’s deputy leader and Cllr David Morson as chairman.

Cllr Dean, pictured, said: “I had not planned to take over as group leader but that is what the rest of wanted. I am always up for a challenge and there is plenty to be done.

“I am now looking forward to working with the Liberal Democrats and other groups to ensure that we all work together for the benefit of the people of the district.”

Cllr Dean, who represents the Stansted South ward, has been an Uttlesford councillor and a member of the local Liberal Democrat group for 27 years.

He stepped down as leader of the council before the Lib Dems lost control of the council to the Conservatives.

“The group wanted to have a change of leader so I stepped down,” he said.

“Like all these things, you can do it too long. Sometimes it is good to have a break and then come back and have another go.”

If he does get into power in May 2015, Cllr Dean wants to make some drastic changes to the way the council is run. He said the authority needs to be more “transparent and accountable to the public”.

Cllr Evans said: “I think Alan has incredible experience and he will be a good leader.”