Kingston and Surbiton MP, Ed Davey, has welcomed the news that Ofwat is being replaced by a tougher water regulator as a victory for local people.

Scrapping Ofwat and bringing in much stronger regulation of water companies to tackle sewage dumping was a key commitment in the Liberal Democrat manifesto last year.

Commenting on the news, the Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey MP said: "I am pleased that action is finally being taken to tackle sewage dumping and clean up our rivers/beaches, after years of the Conservatives turning a blind eye to this scandal.

"The Liberal Democrats have led the way in demanding tougher action against sewage pollution, soaring bills and bloated bonuses for water company bosses. 

"This wouldn't be happening without the incredible support we received from people across Kingston and Surbiton at the general election last year. I heard from countless people who were furious about the state of our local rivers/beaches and the water companies being let off the hook.

"This fight is far from over. The government must now get on with setting up a new, stronger regulator to hold water companies to account.

"I will be relentlessly fighting to ensure sewage spills are stopped, bills brought down, and our waterways cleaned up for everyone to enjoy in future."