Sentence 1: In early 1999 , he was instrumental in removing the then opposition leader , Steve Bracks , and electing his successor , John Brumby .
Sentence 2: In early 1999 , he was instrumental in removing then Opposition Leader Steve Bracks and electing his successor John Brumby .
Question: Do Sentence 1 and Sentence 2 express the same meaning? Yes or No?