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I am deeply honoured to accept the position of Parliamentary Leader of the Democratic Alliance.

I thank my colleagues in the parliamentary caucus for endorsing my candidacy and pledge to serve and lead them to the best of my ability as we work towards our objectives.

I would like to pay special tribute to the DA’s outgoing Parliamentary Leader, Athol Trollip. He has served this caucus with distinction over the last two-and-a-half years and has accepted the outcome of the election with grace and aplomb.

I thank him for the support he has pledged to the new leadership team. I have no doubt that he will continue to play a major role in this party as we strive to grow our support base and realign South African politics.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my colleagues who were elected to leadership positions in the parliamentary caucus. They are:

• Elza van Lingen – Leader in the National Council of Provinces
• Wilmot James – Caucus Chairperson
• Marti Wenger – Caucus Deputy Chairperson
• Sandy Kalyan – Deputy Chief Whip

Watty Watson is my chosen nominee for Chief Whip in the National Assembly. He brings years of experience and an unparalleled knowledge of parliamentary rules and procedures. I am looking forward to working closely with him.

I am pleased also to announce the team of Whips who were elected this afternoon. They are:

• Stuart Farrow
• Dion George
• Patricia Kopane
• Erik Marais
• David Maynier
• Gareth Morgan
• Piet Pretorius
• Mike Waters

I am incredibly excited about the future of South Africa and the role that the Democratic Alliance will play in ensuring that every citizen is given a chance to lead a life they value. I will do everything in my power to grow the DA as we head towards the 2014 election.

We have emerged from this election refreshed and united. It is time now to roll up our sleeves and work together to achieve our objectives.