Peerages: Ed Davey welcomes three new Liberal Democrat peers

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Three new Liberal Democrat appointments to the House of Lords have been announced today: former Children’s Minister Sarah Teather, the party’s Chief Executive Mike Dixon and Ed Davey’s Chief of Staff Rhiannon Leaman.

Sarah Teather won a stunning by-election victory to become MP for Brent East in 2003, before serving as Children’s Minister between 2010 and 2012 where she led the way in doubling the pupil premium targeted at children from deprived backgrounds.

Rhiannon Leaman has served as Ed Davey’s Chief of Staff since 2019, driving his attention-grabbing election campaign and focus on health and care that were central to the party’s general election success. Mike Dixon has served as Chief Executive since 2019, overseeing the transformation of the party that helped deliver four by-election wins and a record number of MPs. Both Mike Dixon and Rhiannon Leaman will continue serving in their current roles for the party.

Responding to the announcement, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP said:

“I am delighted that Sarah, Mike and Rhiannon will be bringing their invaluable expertise and experience to the Liberal Democrat group in the House of Lords.

“Sarah has a proud record of delivering extra funding for millions of children from deprived backgrounds, while Rhiannon and Mike were both central to our party’s incredible General Election result that saw a record 72 Liberal Democrat MPs elected to serve their communities.

“All three are passionate campaigners and dedicated public servants who will continue fighting hard to deliver the change our country desperately needs, including reform of the House of Lords.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Full bios for Mike, Rhiannon and Sarah can be found here.

Two Liberal Democrat hereditary peers, Dominic Addington and John Russell, have also been granted life peerages so they can continue their important contributions to Parliament after the Hereditary Peers Bill passes.

John Russell is the Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, Dominic Addington is the Liberal Democrat Disabilities Spokesperson; is a passionate campaigner on special educational needs and disability; and is reported to be the most active peer in the entire House of Lords.