Sentence 1: In early 1999 , he was instrumental in removing then Opposition Leader John Brumby and electing his successor Steve Bracks .
Sentence 2: In early 1999 , he was instrumental in removing the 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?