A former beer importer from Southend has been appointed to the Green Party's top post.
Keith Taylor is replacing Dr Mike Woodin, who died of cancer last month aged 38, as the principal speaker alongside MEP Caroline Lucas.
The principal speaker is the party's figurehead who performs the public and media role undertaken by the leaders of more conventional parties. There are always two, one man and one woman.
Mr Taylor, who was born in Rochford Hospital, lived in Southend until his mid twenties.
He was educated at Eastwood High School and studied drama and theatre arts at Southend College. He also taught a part time drama course for the college and later imported Dutch and Belgian beer.
In the 2001 general election Keith Taylor achieved the Green Party's highest-ever vote in a Westminster election, with 9.2 per cent in Brighton Pavilion.
He still goes back to Southend on a regular basis.
Published Tuesday August 10, 2004
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