Reaction to the London borough election results

12.00.00am GMT Fri 3rd May 2002

Baroness Sarah Ludford, the Liberal Democrat MEP for London, commenting on the London borough election results, said:

"Overall, it was a pretty good night for the Liberal Democrats in London. Where we gained seats, this was a vote of confidence in our delivery on our promises, as in Islington.

"In Richmond, we were vulnerable to the fact that we had run the borough for almost two decades."

I am pleased that the BNP did not gain foothold in London. The Liberal Democrats will redouble our efforts to address the reasons that led people to extremism. Honesty, accountability, and sticking to promises are all part of the solution."

"Our democratic system needs an urgent overhaul, including for example the length of time (5/6 hours) taken to count the votes, but we must also address the substance of the issue by reconnecting with voters, not just by resorting to gimmicks."