Sharon Bowles Takes Office as Liberal Democrat MEP

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th May 2005

Sharon Bowles with out-going MEP Chris Huhne and Emma Nicholson MEP

Sharon Bowles today officially became the Liberal Democrats latest addition to the European Parliament (succeeding Chris Huhne who was elected to the UK Parliament on 5th May) as MEP for the South East.

Speaking in her new role as MEP for the South East, Sharon Bowles said "I am delighted that I will be able to represent and fight for constituents' interests in the European Parliament. Chris has been a highly successful MEP over the last six years and I will endeavour to continue and add to the excellent Liberal Democrat track record in Brussels".

Sharon Bowles, a European Patent Attorney and an active bureau member of the European Liberal Democrat Party, was third place on the Liberal Democrat list for the South East which meant she just missed out on a seat in the Parliament in last year's European elections. Mr Huhne's resignation means she moves into the second South East Liberal Democrat seat.

Chris Huhne said "Sharon Bowles will be an excellent MEP because she will be very effective in representing our area and our interests in Brussels and Strasbourg. She has a keen eye for detail, and an ability to fight her corner, and both qualities will stand her in good stead as our new MEP."