Andrew Duff re-elected as Liberal Democrat Euro MP for the East of England

11.30.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 8th Jun 2009

Andrew Duff has been re-elected as the Liberal Democrat Euro MP for the East of England

Andrew Duff has been re-elected as the Liberal Democrat Euro MP for the East of England. Following the declaration late last night, he highlighted the Liberal Democrats' defeat of Labour in the share of the vote across the region and the party's many strong performances in last week's council elections, including the notable success in becoming the largest party on Bedford Borough Council.

In a statement at the count in St Ives, Huntingdon, last night Andrew Duff said:

"This was my sixth election campaign for the European Parliament - and undoubtedly the most gruelling. As the Westminster expenses scandal took over, the important issues about the future of the European Union, and of Britain's place within it, were driven underground. It is a shame that the serious problems facing the country - including jobs and climate change - were barely addressed by our opposing parties or the media.

"Despite the rise of the nationalist right, Liberal Democrats across the region have proved very resilient - 'Stronger Together' indeed. It is encouraging for us to be elected ahead of Labour in the European polls.

"In Thursday's county council elections, we finished 9 seats up. In the new unitary authorities of Bedfordshire we have also made a good showing, becoming the largest party in Bedford.

"The party has made steady progress in these difficult times. Many thanks to all council and European candidates, especially my colleague Linda Jack, and to all Lib Dem activists.

"Now it's back to work."