Doocey, who was elected to the London Assembly, became chair of the London Assembly in May and is widely respected for her ‘no-nonsense’ Chairing of meetings. She has recently announced her intention to stand down from the Assembly at the 2012 Greater London Authority election as has colleague Mike Tuffrey.
Congratulating her colleague, City Hall Liberal Democrat Leader Caroline Pidgeon said the Lords would “benefit from all the experience Dee can bring to it.
“She has huge knowledge and a superb set of skills that make her an excellent choice to represent the Liberal Democrats on the red benches. Dee has a strong and diverse background in the private sector and local government, including her many years of service on the London Assembly. ”
Pidgeon predicted Doocey would be “a strong voice for Londoners in parliament, as she is on the Assembly”.
Jenny Jones AM, leader of the London Assembly Green Party, said: “Dee has worked hard and been very effective since she was elected to the Assembly and although I have often wished her a little greener in her beliefs, I’m sure she will an excellent addition to the House of Lords.
“A well deserved appointment and hearfelt congratulations from me.”
Labour’s Val Shawcross said: “I am delighted that Dee has been recognised for her work in London. She is a really determined and dogged scrutineer of policy and never ignores important details. As Assembly Chair you can’t fault her for fairness and firmness in handling a most difficult set of (male) Assembly members and Mayor. It cheers me up to see someone who actually deserves an award getting one. Go gal go!”
Roger Evans, leader of the Conservative group on the Assembly, said “on a personal level I am really pleased for Dee. She has been an excellent chairman of the Assembly and she was a very effective scrutineer during the Livingstone years. Politically, she will bring invaluable understanding of London government to Parliament during a period of great change. It is good to see City Hall recognised in this way.”
Doocey will be joined in the Lords by former LibDem Mayoral contender and MP Susan Kramer who lost her seat in May’s General Election.
It’s been announced that Oona King, who unsuccessfully challenged Ken Livingstone in Labour’s Mayoral selection, is also to awarded a peerage as is London Metropolitan Universit lecturer Maurice Glasman for his work with London Citizens.
