New Parliamentary Spokesperson for Buckingham Liberal Democrats

Buckingham Liberal Democrats have appointed Marie-Louise Rossi to be Parliamentary Spokesperson for the forthcoming General Election campaign.

Marie-Louise has been chosen by the local party members but will not stand as the Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats in Buckingham, in accordance with the convention that the major parties do not oppose the incumbent Speaker. She will make the case locally for the Party's Manifesto, speaking on both national and local issues.

A former chair of the all-party European Movement UK, Marie-Louise was the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Cities of London and Westminster in the General Election of 2005. She was a local government candidate for the St James's Ward in the City of Westminster in 2002 and 2006, substantially improving the Liberal Democrat share of the vote each time. She has also held a range of political offices, including chairing "think tanks" and serving as a Chair of Education in the City of Westminster.

Over a 30 year career in insurance/reinsurance, Marie-Louise has specialised in risk management, financial services regulation and a number of specialist areas, including environmental liability and political/terrorism risks.

Initially working for UK export clients across most commercial and industrial sectors, she then moved on to take up the post as Chief Executive, for 11½ years, of the major financial services trade body for international insurance/reinsurance representing a £multi-billion market to governments/regulators and intergovernmental institutions worldwide.

In the last few years she has been engaged in setting up and advising new businesses, generating employment in London and the South of England.

Announcing Marie-Louise's appointment, Chairman of Buckingham Liberal Democrats, Ian Metherell, said "We are delighted that Marie-Louise has joined us as our Parliamentary Spokesperson. She is highly experienced in politics and the wider business and financial world. She will be a great asset in our campaign over the coming months."