Youngest MP takes on London role
Sarah Teather, the youngest MP in the House of Commons, has been promoted.
Ms Teather will now speak for the Liberal Democrats on London, in addition to her health spokesperson duties. The elevation follows Simon Hughes’ election as Liberal Democrat President.
The MP for Brent East was the surprise winner of the September 2003 by-election. The seat had long been a Labour stronghold: it was formerly the constituency of Ken Livingstone, and was held when he retired by former Brent Borough Council leader Paul Daisley with a five-figure majority.
She became the youngest MP at just 29 and after only 46 days as an MP, Ms Teather was promoted to the front bench in the second half of Charles Kennedy’s 2003 reshuffle.
Announcing her new role, Liberal Democrat leader Mr Kennedy said: “Sarah will be a great champion for London and all Londoners. She has excelled as a constituency MP in Brent and I look forward to working more closely with her in the run up to the next General Election, in which London will be a key battleground.”
Ms Teather said: “I am delighted to be given this chance to speak up for Londoners on the issues that really matter to them. The GLA and the Mayor have not come to grips with many of the core problems that Londoners encounter on a daily basis. The lack of access to GPs, the lack of qualified teachers, the unacceptably high crime levels and the crisis in housing: it’s these issues and many more that I shall be tackling this government on.
“The London 2012 Olympic bid has my full support. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase what London has to offer to the rest of the world and it provides a real opportunity to leave a sustainable and lasting legacy for all Londoners.”
