Diana's bid to lead her European Parliamentary group (Diana Wallis MEP)

Diana Wallis MEP <info@dianawallismep.org.uk>

Diana's bid to lead her European Parliamentary group

June 17, 2009 6:58 PM

The Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire & the Humber, Diana Wallis, has launched her bid for the leadership of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group (ALDE) through the next mandate of the European Parliament.

Diana Wallis, currently a Vice President of the European Parliament, said at the launch of her campaign:

"There have been a number of rumours about who may or may not be candidates; I want to make it clear that I will be. I have received clear indications of support from across the group and beyond which make me believe I should put myself forward.

"I think the new mandate will offer good potential for strengthening and growing the Liberal and Democrat force in the parliament and I would like to play a key role in that. I believe after having served as my national delegation leader twice and building on my experience as a Vice President of Parliament I am ready for a new challenge."

Commenting on the announcement, fellow ALDE group member, Slovenian Jelko Kacin MEP, said:

"Diana Wallis is one of the most active and committed parliamentarians that I've ever met. As Vice-President of the Parliament she conducts the votes in such a relaxed and positive mood that she is admired by all political groups. She is more than sensitive to the most difficult issues in the Western Balkans and she has always inspired me how to cope and how to communicate with the people who suffered in a war zone.

"She knows the group and the Parliament best and she enjoys the trust of colleagues, so she is the evident choice."

Anneli Jäätteenmäki, another fellow group member and a former Prime Minister from Finland, also supports Diana's bid:

"The leader of our group should have a clear political vision, an ability to compromise and negotiate, and, most of all, an ability to co-operate, engage and work with others.

"I trust in Diana Wallis' ability to lead and guide our group with full success during the next legislature."

A further endorsement came from Liberal Commissioner, Neelie Kroes:

"I am very pleased that Diana Wallis has announced her candidacy for the leadership of the ALDE group. In fact, I could not think of a better person for the job. She is motivated for the job, dedicated to her work, she is an excellent team player, open minded and above all I believe that she is determined to defend the principles of ALDE."

In addition, Diana was delighted to receive a message of good wishes from Pat Cox, former leader of the ELDR Group:

"By virtue of your experience and competence as an MEP, qualities that I came to appreciate when we worked together as colleagues, I wish you well in your endeavours."