New era for London Assembly

12.14.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jun 2004

The London Assembly Liberal Democrats today entered into an agreement with the Conservative Group on the Assembly that will strengthen the Assembly's influence and its ability to hold the Mayor to account on behalf of Londoners.

Graham Tope, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, welcomed the agreement reached regarding the chairmanship of some of the Assembly's key committees:

"Our top priorities in this new term are to rigorously scrutinise the Mayor's policies and ensure that his policies meet the needs of all Londoners and provide value for money.

"This agreement with the Conservative Group will provide the Assembly's administration with stability and ensure it is open, tolerant, inclusive and independent of the Mayor. It gives us the means with which to keep a close and thorough eye on the actions of Ken Livingstone."