MPS PAY TRIBUTE TO LOCAL CHAMPION DORIS ANSARI

Cornwall's three Liberal Democrat MPs have paid tribute to Councillor Doris Ansari who has announced she will be standing down as Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cornwall Council. She was first elected to Truro City Council in 1971 and joined the former Cornwall County Council in 1980. Doris became the Leader of the 38 strong Liberal Democrat Group at County Hall when the Council first moved to a unitary council in 2009.

MP for St Austell and Newquay Stephen Gilbert, added:

"Doris has been a strong and powerful voice for the people of Cornwall for many years and is someone I have admired since I was first involved in local Liberal Democrat politics in the 1990s.

"I know that that she will be missed from the front line of local politics but I am sure that her influence, knowledge and advice will continue to support the Liberal Democrat group on Cornwall Council as we enter the next chapter for local politics."

Commenting, Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall said:

""Doris has been and will continue to be a wonderful local champion with an impressive track record of campaigning on issues such as housing, unemployment and fighting for a fair funding deal from central government; issues that really matter to local people.

"She has made a great contribution to public life in Cornwall and to Liberal Democrat politics. While she is standing down as Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group I know she will still be working as hard as ever for her constituents in Truro and fighting to build a strong future for the City."