Barbara Janke

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Barbara Janke is a teacher and is Liberal Democrat leader of Bristol City Council in Bristol, England. She has been Councillor for Clifton ward since 1995 and leader of the Liberal Democrat group since 1997 (taking over from Stephen Williams).

Barbara was born in Liverpool and formerly taught economics and modern languages in London. She first became active in politics while in Scotland, before becoming a Councillor and then deputy Leader in Kingston upon Thames Council in the early 90's.

Barbara became the first non-Labour leader of Bristol City Council for many decades after the 2003 elections when she led an all-party administration after the Council went into no overall control. This arrangement collapsed in late 2004 when the Labour group withdrew and took minority control as the largest party. At the 2005 elections the Liberal Democrat party became the largest party and took minority control of the Council under Barbara as Leader.