Tonge Stands Down From Shadow Cabinet

11.42.20am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 14th Oct 2003

Jenny Tonge MP in Richmond Park

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park confirmed on Monday that she has stepped down from her post as Shadow International Development Secretary for the Liberal Democrats. Her post will be filled by the MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake.

Dr Tonge said: "I have hugely enjoyed my time as Shadow International Development Secretary, but I must confess it is something of a relief to hand the baton on after six years. I asked Charles Kennedy to release me from my post two months ago so that I might concentrate more on the concerns of my constituents in Richmond Park during the run-up to the General Election."

Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, paid tribute to Dr Tonge's service as he announced his cabinet re-shuffle: "Jenny has been a fantastic Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary and a very important member of the Shadow Cabinet. Her decision to stand down from her post reflects the fact that she will be retiring from the Commons at the next General Election."

"The Liberal Democrats will miss her presence in the House as well as her dedication to fighting poverty and disease around the globe. I know that Jenny's hard work on behalf of her constituents will continue."