By Martin Banks - 31st January 2012
“I know lots families in Yorkshire and the Humber are really feeling the pinch
Rebecca Taylor
Party activist Rebecca Taylor will replace failed parliament president candidate Diana Wallis as an MEP, it has been confirmed.
Taylor takes up the post following the resignation of Wallis, who finished last in a three-way contest for the presidency earlier this month.
Sir Graham Watson, a former leader of the ALDE group in parliament, welcomed the move, telling this website, "Rebecca has played an important role as an organiser for the Liberal Democrats in Brussels in the past so she is coming back to home turf.
"I am sure she will be a star performer."
Watson declined to comment on the furore surrounding the decision of Stewart Arnold, Wallis' husband, not to take the seat. As number two on the party's list in the last European elections Arnold stood to replace his wife.
However, he declined to do so after suggestions that the move amounted to 'nepotism'.
ALDE Edward McMillan-Scott said Taylor would make a "great contribution" and that he was "pleased that the matter has now been resolved sensibly and fairly",
Speaking on Tuesday, Taylor, who stood for selection in 2007, said it would be a "great privilege and honour" to become an MEP.
She admitted, "It has been quite a shock to find myself in this position. Above all I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity and determined to do everything in my power to promote jobs, growth and prosperity in the region, and help to improve health services.
"I know lots families in Yorkshire and the Humber are really feeling the pinch at the moment and I look forward to doing my bit to help as an MEP committed to fighting for the region."
Taylor, who is expected to take up her seat later this week, has worked in the health sector for more than ten years, doing health policy research and helping health sector organisations with communications. She is currently in the process of completing a master's degree in public health
Regional party chair Jeanette Sunderland said, "Diana has decided to move onto other challenges after dedicating more than 12 years to the region and furthering Liberal Democrat values in Europe.
"According to the election rules, a post left vacant by a resignation is filled by a candidate on the party list. The Liberal Democrat list is democratically elected by the region.
"In this case, Stewart Arnold has felt unable to take the role, and therefore it became open to the third candidate, Rebecca Taylor.
"Rebecca has strong roots in Yorkshire and will make an excellent representative in parliament."
