Challenge To Livingstone Moves Up A Gear Now

12.00.00am GMT Mon 13th Oct 2003

Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes MP was today given the new Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet role as spokesman for London in Parliament as well as continuing to lead the Liberal Democrat challenge to current controversial Home Office legislation until the end of the Parliamentary year.

In a phased handover with his newly announced Shadow Home Secretary Mark Oaten MP; once all the Home Office Bills currently going through Parliament are completed by the end of next month Mr Hughes will hand over all his Shadow Home Office responsibilities to focus on his London responsibilities and his mayoral campaign.

Commenting on his new role Simon Hughes MP said:

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity of leading for the Liberal Democrats on Home Affairs over the last four years. The number of misguided Government proposals which have been seen off and the huge amount of legislation which we have forced Labour to change is an indication of our increasing success in Parliament and beyond."

"I particularly look forward to working with my colleagues, and those in other parties, to make sure that the threat to jury trial in the Criminal Justice Bill and other unnecessary legislation is defeated in the weeks ahead."

"If we are to build on the successes in Brent East, it is necessary for me to shift my work to concentrate my efforts on winning London for Liberal Democracy in 2004. The battle for London will be waged inside and outside Parliament, but above all by winning the hearts, minds and support of the people of our great capital city."

"I know we can win the next London election next year and increasingly the public agree with me. I shall apply the same energy to the coming London campaign as to all others I have fought and I will do all I can to build on past victories to make sure of even greater success next year."

"The message is clear and simple. The challenge to Livingstone moves up a gear now."