By Martin Banks - 15th January 2009
It is an honour to take the helm
Glenis Willmott
Glenis Willmott has been chosen as the new leader of Britain’s Socialist MEP delegation.
She replaces Gary Titley, who is not standing in June’s European elections, with immediate effect. He held the post for the past six years.
Willmott, who represents the east Midlands, said: “I feel privileged to have been elected to lead the party. Europe has such an important part to play in making our everyday lives better and we have already achieved so much by working together.
“It is an honour to take the helm and help build on those achievements in the run-up to the European elections in June and beyond.”
British premier Gordon Brown said: "I want to congratulate Glenis on her election today to the leadership of the European Parliamentary Labour Party.
“Glenis will provide excellent leadership of the EPLP as they continue to work hard for a progressive future for the EU, and I look forward to working with her as we prepare for the European election campaign in June.
An MEP since 2006, she was elected chief whip of the European parliamentary labour party in July of the same year. She is currently Labour’s spokesperson for health and is a member of the environment, public health and food safety committee.
Willmott was born into a mining family and began her career in medical science before moving on to work for a Labour MP. She then quickly rose through the political and trade union ranks.
During her three years’ as an MEP she has raised awareness of cervical cancer and screening and championed a national cervical cancer vaccination programme which was launched in September.
She has also supported plans to introduce climate change laws which will slash emissions and combat energy poverty.
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