Local MEP's new role in Parliamentary Group

12.00.00am GMT Tue 16th Jan 2001

Diana Wallis MEP received the overwhelming backing of her Lib Dem colleagues at a meeting in the European Parliament last night in Strasbourg to become Group Whip.

Diana's appointment was prompted after Baroness Emma Nicholson, who had held the role since the European Elections in 1999, vacated the post. The group thanked Emma Nicholson for the work she had done in the past months.

Diana said: "I am looking forward to playing a leading role in the future direction of our group both in the European Parliament and in conjunction with our colleagues in Westminster."

The role of whip is to liaise with all Members of the Liberal Democrat Group in the European Parliament, as well as to communicate with Lib Dem MPs in Westminster. The role is seen as crucial to ensuring that the two groups of senior Liberal Democrats are 'singing from the same hymn sheet,' though this is rarely a problem Diana says:

"As Liberal Democrats we are united on most things European. Whilst we are all in favour of entering a successful Single Currency, subject to a yes vote in a referendum, we also want the European Union to enlarge, and we are united in wanting Europe's institutions, especially the Council, to open up to democratic control.

"Independent research by the London School of Economics has shown that we are the most cohesive group in the European Parliament. I am sure this will continue to be the case and I look forward to more fair sailing in the future."