York's MEP becomes Leader of UK Lib Dems in Brussels (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

York's MEP becomes Leader of UK Lib Dems in Brussels

June 2, 2006 11:00 AM

York's Euro MP Diana Wallis has become the new Leader of UK Lib Dems in the European Parliament

Diana Wallis, Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire & the Humber, has been elected to lead the 12 member UK Lib Dem group in the European Parliament.

After the announcement of her victory this morning, Diana Wallis said:

"Now that David Cameron wants to marginalise the Conservatives in the European Parliament and Tony Blair no longer makes any mention of Europe at all, the Liberal Democrats in Brussels are well placed to frame the argument on the future of Europe."

"The Constitution in its current form will not be revived but we still have to come to terms with making an enlarged European Union work better."

"I look forward to continuing the good relations between the parliamentary parties in Westminster and in Brussels. We have a talented team of people on both sides of the channel and I am keen to see their qualities really engaged over a whole range of topics, not least civil liberties and the environment."

Graham Watson MEP, leader for the 90 strong Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE), added his congratulations:

"I congratulate Diana Wallis on her election today as leader of the British Liberal Democrat delegation in the European Parliament"

"The British Liberal Democrat MEPs play a key role at the centre of European policy making. Diana's experience and sound judgement will be of benefit both to the wider group and in the formulation of EU policy."

Cllr Andrew Waller (Deputy Leader of City of York Council) said

"I would like to congratulate Diana Wallis on her election to the leader of the UK Lib Dems in the European Parliament."

"Over the years I have liaised with Diana on issues that have affected York, and she has worked very hard to represent the Yorkshire and Humber region."

"She is very experienced and I am sure that she will do a great job".