KENNEDY: SARAH TEATHER WILL BE A GREAT CHAMPION FOR LONDON IN NEW ROLE

11.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 26th Nov 2004

Charles Kennedy congratulates Sarah Teather on her promotion.

Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, has replaced Simon Hughes as the party's London Spokesperson.

Mr Hughes stepped down after he was elected as Party President by the federal party, but he will continue to be a member of the Shadow Cabinet.

Following her promotion Sarah Teather said:

"I am delighted to be given this chance to speak up for Londoners on the issues that really matter to them. The GLA and the Mayor have not come to grips with many of the core problems that Londoner's encounter on a daily basis. The lack of access to GPs, the lack of qualified teachers, the unacceptably high crime levels and the crisis in housing: it's these issues and many more that I shall be tackling this government on.

"The London 2012 Olympic bid has my full support. It's a unique opportunity to showcase what London has to offer to the rest of the world and it provides a real opportunity to leave a sustainable and lasting legacy for all Londoners."

"Finally, let me pay tribute to Simon for all his hard work on behalf of the city's residents. I look forward to taking up his mantle with the energy and passion that he did."

Charles Kennedy said:

"Sarah will be a great champion for London and all Londoners. She has excelled as a constituency MP in Brent and I look forward to working more closely with her in the run up to the next General Election, in which London will be a key battleground."