HUGHES LAUNCHES FLAG FOR LONDON COMPETITION

12.01.00am GMT Fri 20th Feb 2004

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Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes will today launch his new website with a competition to design a flag for London.

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Mr Hughes has submitted a number of designs on his website to inspire Londoners to put forward their creations. The winning design will fly above City Hall when Simon Hughes is elected as Mayor of London on 11th June 2004.

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Mr Hughes has also launched his website with the first London Mayoral 'blog'. He believes that a more personalised approach can enthuse many people, especially younger voters, who have previously been turned off by politicians and politics.

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Commenting on the London Flag competition, Simon Hughes said:-

"The current so-called 'flag' above City Hall is simply the LONDON logo and now looks rather tatty and worn out.

"London has a population larger than that of 135 countries and yet it does not have its own flag to represent our great city. Counties have flags, cricket and football clubs have flags, even families have their own flag - it is time London had the same.

"I have put forward a series of designs which I hope will get other people thinking about the way London should be seen in the 21st century. Any flag must represent London's diversity and be distinctive and easily identifiable across the globe.

"I hope that this competition will get people thinking, drawing and writing to me so that I can fly their new London flag above City Hall on the 11th June."

Commenting on his new website and his 'blog' Simon Hughes said:-

"With this website and blog, I am bringing 21st century technology to politics. New and inspiring ways to communicate, especially with the young, and those that have been turned off by traditional politics, are needed to get Londoners voting.

"I hope by using the blog and a constantly changing website I will be able to interest, inspire and excite a new set of people who have never voted in election before."

Ends

Simon's first ideas can be found on the website from midnight tonight.

London has an approximate population of 7.1million the same as Switzerland. There are 134 countries that have fewer people that the capital.

The website www.simon4mayor.org.uk will become officially 'live' at midnight Friday 19th February 2004.

The entrants to the competition can submit their designs via the website, e-mailing info@simon4mayor.org.uk with Jpeg, name and address or by post to:

Simon Hughes

Flag for London Competition

4 Cowley Street

London

SW1P 3NB

The competition closes on 31st March 2004.