Caroline has announced that, after 14 years on the London Assembly, she will not be standing for re-election in 2024.
Caroline told the London Liberal Democrats' conference on Saturday:
It has been the greatest honour to have been elected for the last 24 years in London, the last 14 as one of your London Assembly Members – indeed for 5 years as our only Assembly Member.
But as the New Year approaches, and the region starts its selection process for the Assembly and Mayoral team for 2024, I wanted to tell you personally that I will not be seeking selection again.
Over the years, I have loved campaigning in every London Borough with you all, from rallies against Heathrow expansion in Richmond, to pedestrian crossings across the polluted Charlie Brown roundabout in Redbridge; from step free access at Harrow on the Hill, to bus services in Biggin Hill. I have been there with you every step of the way. Something so important for our next team of Assembly candidates and Members to continue.
As well, of course, as working with London’s diverse and vibrant communities, visiting faith and community groups, attending Pride, working with disability campaign groups and others like the London Cycling Campaign.
And whilst the Assembly is a scrutiny body, with limited powers, I have succeeded in persuading others to introduce a one hour bus ticket; change a bye-law on the tube helping visually impaired Londoners; battled for every Crossrail station to be step free; fought to keep core Safer Neighbourhood Teams in every ward and secured youth workers in every A&E department to help reduce violent crime. A lot of these things are hard won, over many years, and others often claim the credit, but we know where they came from: our Liberal voice, enabling Londoners to thrive and succeed in our city.
I will of course work hard until the end of my term of office and work hard to ensure our Assembly team keeps on growing. But, for once, I shall not be at the front of our next London campaign.
Thank you all for your support, help and encouragement throughout my time in office. I am proud to serve Londoners and to be a strong Liberal voice in our great city.