Lib Dems agree to work with all party groups to scrutinise the new Mayor

1.20.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th May 2008

Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly today committed to work with all other party groups to scrutinise new Mayor, Boris Johnson.

Leader of the London Assembly Liberal Democrats, Mike Tuffrey, said:

"Boris Johnson has promised to be Mayor of all Londoners. The Assembly's job is to hold him to account on this pledge. It is vital that all parties in the Assembly cooperate in doing the job Londoners expect of us."

At the Assembly's annual meeting today, it was agreed that Liberal Democrat Dee Doocey will chair the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee and new Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon will be elected vice chair of the Transport Committee. Mike Tuffrey is to become vice chair of the Budget Committee.

Conservative, Labour and Green members were nominated to other positions, based on an agreement with Labour and the Green party on the operation of the Assembly. The agreement does not extend to policy matters.

Mike Tuffrey, AM said:

"This arrangement will see the London Assembly become a more effective scrutinising body. The Assembly as a whole will be better at holding the Mayor to account by allowing non-Mayoral parties to take the lead.

"By coordinating with other groups, the Liberal Democrats are avoiding petty party politics and keeping their eye on the bigger picture. Our priority is representing the interest of Londoners, and not getting caught up in political games."

END

Notes to Editors:

1. The Assembly consists of 25 members.

11 Conservatives

8 Labour

3 Liberal Democrats

2 Greens

1 Other