The Third London Reception at Government Office London

On Wednesday 11 February the Minister for London, Keith Hill, hosted the third London Reception at Riverwalk House.  This year's event also provided an occasion to celebrate, the Government Office for London's tenth anniversary.

The reception, which was organised by the Co-ordination, Briefing and Communications Team, was an opportunity for the Minister to meet some of GOL's key stakeholders in less formal circumstances

Over 200 guests from key organisations across London attended.  These included representatives from New Deal for Communities, Local Strategic Partnerships, Connexions Partnerships, voluntary and community groups, as well as many from London's business community.  Several Ministers, London Assembly members and Borough Leaders also came .

Notable attendees included Mayor Ken Livingstone, Transport Minister Tony McNulty, London Schools Minister Stephen Twigg, Olympic Bid leader Barbara Cassani, Brian Paddick from the Metropolitan Police and Martin Pilgrim of the Association of London Government.

The Regional Director, Liz Meek, made introductions to the assembled guests and then handed over to Keith Hill. The Minister took the opportunity to express the Government's support for 2012 Olympic Bid, saying it would not only be great for London but also great for the whole country.  He also stressed the importance of the new London Housing Board, welcomed progress at Wembley and underlined the importance of developing sustainable communities for the future in areas like the Thames Gateway.

The Minister also commended GOL for its achievements and looked ahead to future successes.  The Minister said:

" I would like to congratulate GOL on the good work that has gone into the last 10 years.  I wish GOL many more years of successful partnership working".

To mark the anniversary Keith Hill and Liz Meek cut a special 10th Birthday cake for the guests.