Davey to shadow Prescott

29.10.02

Local MP vows "not to pull punches"

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, has been promoted in Charles Kennedy's Shadow Cabinet reshuffle. The local MP is now in charge of Lib Dem policy on local government, including housing and planning, as the party's Shadow Secretary for the Office of Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Previously he was number two in the Lib Dems' Treasury team.

Edward Davey will now directly shadow Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, whose department has responsibility for Local Government and the Regions. This wide-ranging portfolio also includes a number of government agencies, such as the Social Exclusion Unit and the Regional Co-ordination Unit, and responsibility for issues such as the current firefighters' pay dispute.

Commenting on his new responsibilities, Edward Davey said:

"I'm delighted to be shadowing John Prescott.

"I won't be pulling punches in my questioning of the Deputy Prime Minister - though some people have already joked that I should hope he pulls his.

"John Prescott's department may be grandly titled "the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister" but it has now become one of the most vital government departments. With over a quarter of public spending linked to Prescott's latest fiefdom, holding him to account will be quite a challenge.

"My five years as a junior in the Lib Dem Treasury team were solid grounding but I'm pleased to have the chance now to lead my own team.

"My work with Kingston Council on a range of local government issues should also help me, and my fellow MPs may have to get used to me referring often to my constituents' experience in our Borough.

"Arguing for the abolition of council tax will be a top priority for me.