Law Soc election promises

The victors in the Law Society elections have promised a root and branch review of the society's functions.

Robert Sayer, elected as vice-president, said campaigning had put reform on hold for two months but now "we can get things done".

Michael Mathews, elected president, stated in his manifesto that he would lead the council in a review of all policies and "ensure they positively help solicitors not only to survive but to flourish".

Asked whether his priority was to reform the society or fight the Government, he said the two were not mutually exclusive.

One controversial suggestion, to immediately increase the number of council and committee meetings, is understood to be meeting opposition.

In last week's poll, Mathews beat off the challenge of Michael Napier, Irwin Mitchell senior partner, by 11,908 votes to 10,550. Sayer beat David McIntosh, senior partner at Davies Arnold Cooper, by 12,342 votes to 9,980.

New deputy vice-president Kamlesh Bahl polled the most votes - 12,452 - beating David Keating who received 9,364.