Leen Verbeek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leen Verbeek
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Verbeek in 2021
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| King's Commissioner of Flevoland | |
| In office 1 November 2008 – 31 October 2023 |
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| Monarch | Beatrix Willem-Alexander |
| Preceded by | Michel Jager |
| Succeeded by | Arjen Gerritsen |
| Mayor of Purmerend | |
| In office 2 April 2003 – 1 November 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Theun van Dam |
| Succeeded by | Fons Hertog |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Leendert Verbeek
5 March 1954 Leiderdorp, Netherlands |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Residences | Purmerend, Netherlands |
| Alma mater | Academy for Educational Labour, Baarn (BA) |
| Occupation | Politician, civil servant, social worker |
| Website | Province of Flevoland website |
Leendert "Leen" Verbeek (born 5 March 1954) is a Dutch politician. He was the King's Commissioner of Flevoland from 2008 to 2023. Before that, he was the Mayor of Purmerend from 2003 to 2008. He is a member of the Labour Party (PvdA).
Leen Verbeek's Early Life and Education
Leen Verbeek grew up in Eindhoven, a city in the Netherlands. After finishing his MULO education, which is like a type of middle school today, he spent a year studying high school in the United States.
When he returned, he went to the Academy for Educational Labour in Baarn. This is where he studied to become a social worker. After his studies, he started working as a youth worker in Leiden. He helped young people and worked with communities.
Starting a Career in Politics
About ten years after working as a youth worker, Leen Verbeek began his journey in politics. He became an alderman in Houten from 1989 to 1996. An alderman is like a city council member who helps manage a city's affairs.
After leaving this role, he worked as a director for a company he created. Seven years later, he was chosen to be the Mayor of Purmerend. A mayor is the leader of a city or town.
Becoming King's Commissioner
In 2007, Leen Verbeek was considered for the role of Mayor of Eindhoven. There was a special vote, called a referendum, to help decide. He received 33% of the votes. However, not enough people voted, so the decision was made by local officials instead. Another person, Rob van Gijzel, was chosen as Mayor of Eindhoven.
In November 2008, Leen Verbeek became the Queen's Commissioner for the province of Flevoland. A King's or Queen's Commissioner is a special representative of the monarch (the King or Queen) in a province. They help lead the provincial government. In 2013, when King Willem-Alexander became monarch, the title changed to King's Commissioner. He served in this important role until October 2023.
