Local Lib Dems welcome new national leader

4.17.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Dec 2007

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg congratulates Annie Sparkes on becoming the candidate for Thatcham North

Following the announcement that Nick Clegg will take over as the new national Party leader, West Berkshire's Lib Dem Group Leader Jeff Brooks has made the following statement:

"I am delighted to be welcoming Nick as our new national party leader and would like to congratulate both candidates on their very robust and positive election campaigns. Nick offers us a great combination of experience, energy and enthusiasm which will lift Liberal Democrats locally as well as nationally. We are all looking forward to working together and moving onwards, building up our party representation on local councils, regional assemblies, parliament and the European Parliament."

Councillor Keith Woodhams (Thatcham West) added:

"Whilst I voted for Chris Huhne I feel Nick Clegg will make an exceptional leader. Young and talented, I feel he will attract like-minded people to the party and give us all a fresh impetus with which to tackle the future."

Annie Sparkes, the Lib Dem candidate for the Thatcham North by-election, said:

"When I met Nick I knew he was the right man for the job. He is so warm and friendly. He will be a great party leader."

Jason Leake and Stephanie Steevenson, the Lib Dem candidates for the Thatcham Central by-elections, were also pleased with the result.

Jason said:

"It will be great to see Nick take on Gordon Brown in Prime Ministers Questions."

Stephanie added:

"Nick has real vision and drive. He will really be able to reach out to new voters."