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Issued
by: Hannah Gardiner, London Press Office
Embargo: 6pm, 14th January 2000
Liberal Democrats appoint new Shadow
Minister for London
Kennedy
appoints Davey as London Spokesman
Liberal Democrat Shadow
Home Affairs Spokesman has announced that he is to hand
over responsibility as London Spokesman to Edward Davey
MP, who has been appointed by Liberal Democrat Leader
Charles Kennedy MP, with effect from tomorrow.
Simon Hughes MP said:
“I have
decided, as we begin the second half of this Parliament,
and after eleven and a half years in the job, that it is
time to ask another Parliamentary colleague to lead
Liberal Democrat campaigning for London in Parliament.
“After taking on Home Affairs responsibilities
across the country and being responsible for at least
twelve Home Affairs Bills in this Parliamentary Session
alone, it would be impossible to do justice both to that
job and to our campaign in London. Now is a good time to
hand on the baton.
“We have buoyant membership, a record number of
councillors, a record number of councils under our
control and a record number of London MPs and Peers in
Parliament, as well as our first MEP. Compared to when
the new party began and I took on the job in July 1988,
Liberal Democrats are increasingly transforming the
London political scene.
“There is no doubt in my mind that we are poised to
hold the balance of power on the new GLA this year. Our
twelve years of success so far, owe most to our thousands
of members who do the work on the ground and make daily
contact with the people of our great city. London has a
great future, Liberal Democrats in London have great
future. My successor, Edward Davey, has the full
confidence of the whole party as he takes on this
important job at this most exciting time.”
Edward Davey MP said:
“This is an
exciting time to lead the Liberal Democrats in London.
Electing Susan Kramer to be London’s Mayor is my
first priority. As the only united party of the main
three in the capital, with the others in total disarray,
I believe Liberal Democrats are set to cause an upset in
the race for London’s Mayor.
“Susan Kramer and I will campaign together on the
issues that have won London Liberal Democrats huge
success in recent years - the need to invest in the NHS,
increase police numbers and revive local communities.
“Above all, Susan and I will show that only the
Liberal Democrats have a workable solution to
London’s transport nightmare.
“Simon Hughes is a hard act to follow. For many
years he has been the public face of London Liberal
Democrats. He has led the party to major parliamentary
and council triumphs - with our defeat of Labour in
Islington only the latest of many. His commitment, energy
and courage are legendary. Like many others, I am
personally grateful for the support and help he has given
me over the years. I know I’ll always have his
advice and guidance.”
ENDS.
Note to editors:
Edward Davey MP will announce the portfolio
responsibilities of the London MPs at a later date.
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Issued
by: Keith Reed
Embargo:
Immediate, 17/01/00
Charles Kennedy appoints Edward
Davey as Shadow Minister for London
Liberal Democrat Leader
Charles Kennedy MP on Friday announced the appointment of
Kingston & Surbiton’s MP, Edward Davey, as the
party’s new shadow minister for London. He will be
taking over from the Liberal Democrats well known and
highly respected Shadow Home Affairs Spokesman, Simon
Hughes MP. This hand over ofresponsibility is due to take
effect from Monday 17 January 2000.
Commenting on the change, Simon Hughes MP said:
"After taking
on Home Affairs responsibilities across the country, it
would be impossible to do justice both to that job and to
our campaign in London. It is time for me to hand over
the job to a younger man.
"My successor, Edward Davey, has the full confidence
of the whole party as he takes on this important job at
this most exciting time. We all know he has the talent
and drive to get the job done"
Edward Davey MP added:
"Electing
Susan Kramer to be London’s Mayor is my first
priority. As the only united party of the main three in
the capital, with the others in total disarray, I believe
Liberal Democrats are set to cause an upset in the race
for London’s Mayor.
"Susan Kramer and I will campaign together on the
issues that have won London Liberal Democrats huge
success in recent years - the need to invest in the NHS,
increase police numbers and revive local communities.
"Above all, Susan and I will show that only the
Liberal Democrats have a workable solution to
London’s transport nightmare.
"Simon Hughes is a hard act to follow. For many
years he has been the public face of London Liberal
Democrats. His commitment, energy and courage are
legendary. Like many others, I am personally grateful for
the support and help he has given me over the years. I
know I’ll always have his advice and guidance."
ENDS.
Note to editors:
1. Edward Davey MP will announce the portfolio
responsibilities of the London MPs at a later date.
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