OLYMPIC BID WILL GET 100% ENTHUSIASM FROM HUGHES AS MAYOR

5.14.32pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 15th May 2003

Simon Hughes, London Liberal Democrat MP and Liberal Democrat candidate to be the next Mayor of London, commenting on the announcement to bid for the Olympic games in London said,

"I welcome enthusiastically the Government's decision to back a London bid for the 2012 Olympic games."

"The Government's announcement is the correct choice and will rightly be popular across London and throughout the land. There must be a five-way partnership - between national government, London's government, national and London business, London residents and those who play the National Lottery as well.

"The immediate task is to put the strongest bid together and if elected next June I will give the Olympics my 100% commitment and enthusiasm."

"The Olympic bid gives us a great opportunity to build the sports facilities and transport links, and to create the jobs and homes which will be a lasting legacy for our great capital city.

"But the Government must not close the door to a Government-financial contribution after 2005 if we win the bid."

"The Government must not dismiss the importance of Crossrail to the opportunities for hugely improved transport infrastructure which the bid can bring about for London and the country.

"I have today written to Tessa Jowell to ask that the choice of the head of the bid team should be done by open recruitment and appointment - advertisement next week, closing date the following week, interview a week or so later and appointment by the end of June."