Assembly appoints Sally Hamwee as Chair

12.14.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th May 2007

Liberal Democrat Sally Hamwee AM begins her fourth term as Chair of the London Assembly, with Tory Brian Coleman AM as Deputy Chairman.

The appointments were made today during the Assembly's Annual Meeting. Other Liberal Democrat members were also elected to important positions on the Assembly. Dee Doocey will continue to chair the Assembly's Economic Development, Sports, Culture and Tourism committee and Geoff Pope becomes vice-chair of the Transport Committee. Sally Hamwee was also elected as vice-chair of the Budget committee.

Sally Hamwee said: "The London Assembly is seven years old, but it is still building its culture, traditions and reputations. It is important to remember that the effect of our work is limited, unless it is done with public engagement. I encourage my fellow Assembly Members to raise their sights this coming year and to do their bit to make it a good year for London."

Mike Tuffrey, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the London Assembly said: "This is a continuation of the 4 year agreement, started in June 2004, we have with the Conservatives to ensure that the Assembly should be open, tolerant, inclusive and independent of the Mayor of London. The agreement allows the Assembly to effectively scrutinise the work of the Mayor. It specifically does not amount to any agreement on policy matters.