The Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords have elected a new Leader of the Group

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Jeremy Purvis - Lord Purvis of Tweed - has been elected as the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.  Jeremy has been a member of the House of Lords since 2013 and the Group’s spokesperson for foreign affairs for the last four years.

Jeremy was the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale between 2003 and 2011.  In the House of Lords, he successfully steered through the legislation enshrining the UK’s annual commitment to reach 0.7% of GNI for overseas development assistance.  He has extensive experience of governance advice to conflict and post-conflict states and has conducted high-level facilitation in North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, amongst other places.

Jeremy Purvis said:

“It is an honour to receive the support of my fellow peers and be elected Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group.  Under my leadership, we will be a voice for liberal campaigning on the important issues we and others care so much about. Currently our Group is leading on freedom of media and stopping foreign interference in UK newspapers; successfully passing regulations around whistleblowing; and making the case for paid carers’ leave in legislation.

“I look forward to working with Ed Davey and all parts of the Party and to use the heft of our diverse and effective Liberal Democrat Group to help make the changes the country needs.

“I sincerely thank Dick Newby for all his work in nine years as Leader, and the critical role he has played in our party's most recent successes and I pay tribute to my fellow candidate, Kath Pinnock, who I know will continue to have a very important role to play in the group and the Party.”

Dick Newby, outgoing Leader of the Liberal Democrat peers, said:

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords. I am proud of the Group and the work we achieve week in week out.  I congratulate Jeremy on his victory and I look forward to working with him as we build on the work of the Group and the wider Party.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Jeremy Purvis’s website: https://www.jeremypurvis.org/