New leader of Conservative MEPs elected

Richard Ashworth MEP has been elected as the new Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament.

Mr Ashworth, who has represented the South East of England since 2004, replaces Martin Callanan MEP, who stood down as leader last month after becoming Leader of the broader European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament.

Speaking after his election, Mr Ashworth, said: "It is a great honour to be chosen by my colleagues to lead them.

"These are challenging times - but I intend to continue the work of making Conservative principles heard in Europe as the voice of economic good sense and a driving force for competition and growth.

"We will work for better value for taxpayers' money in Europe - for greater efficiency, less waste and less red tape holding back enterprise and prosperity. For a flexible Europe that benefits Britain instead of dictating to it."