No hiding place for Ken Livingstone, promise Lib Dems

3.10.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Jun 2004

The Liberal Democrats will use their increased share of London Assembly seats to ensure the Mayor is kept under close scrutiny, promised group leader Graham Tope today.

Following the election last week of an additional Assembly member, Dee Doocey, Graham Tope said:

"I am delighted to welcome a new member to the London Assembly Liberal Democrat Group - our stronger presence will mean the Mayor faces a far tougher time than he was used to in his first term."

The Liberal Democrats' five London Assembly members are Dee Doocey, Lynne Featherstone, Sally Hamwee, Graham Tope and Mike Tuffrey.

Looking forward to a second term, Graham Tope said on behalf of the Group:

"We will be calling on the Mayor to improve the Tube's performance, to provide more visible policing, to tackle London's crumbling transport infrastructure, drop his plans to expand the congestion charge zone and do more to protect the capital's environment.

"We will ensure that he delivers the services that he has promised Londoners and provides value for money. We will clip his wings if necessary and rein in any extravagant spending demands.

"Have no doubt, we intend to keep up our pressure on him. If he fails to deliver recognisable improvements in London's public services we will not hesitate to crank it up!"

ENDS