Duff Welcomes Steady Progress Of Liberal Democrats Across East Of England

11.57.57am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 8th Jun 2009

On Sunday 8 June Andrew Duff was re-elected as the Liberal Democrat Euro MP for the East of England.

In a statement at the count in St Ives, Huntingdon, he said:

"This was my sixth election campaign for the European Parliament - and undoubtedly the most gruelling. As the Westminster expenses scandal took over, the important issues about the future of the European Union, and of Britain's place within it, were driven underground. It is a shame that the serious problems facing the country - including jobs and climate change - were barely addressed by our opposing parties or the media.

"Despite the rise of the nationalist right, Liberal Democrats across the region have proved very resilient - 'Stronger Together' indeed. It is encouraging for us to be elected ahead of Labour in the European polls.

"In Thursday's county council elections, we finished 9 seats up. In the new unitary authorities of Bedfordshire we have also made a good showing, becoming the largest party in Bedford.

"The party has made steady progress in these difficult times. Many thanks to all council and European candidates, especially my colleague Linda Jack, and to all Lib Dem activists.

"Now it's back to work."