Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Welcome for election boost

December 5, 2006 10:38 PM

LIBERAL Democrats in Mid Suffolk have welcomed the party's election winning performance in council by-elections held in November.

At a meeting of members where campaign plans for next May's local elections were stepped up a gear, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman Andrew Houseley, said the results showed that Labour had everything to fear from a Lib Dem challenge.

"The Liberal Democrats ended November with the most gains,"said Mr Houseley. "The Conservatives made no gains at all from Labour in November whilst the Liberal Democrats gained 4 from them.

"Here in Mid Suffolk, Liberal Democrat local by-election gains have wiped out the Conservatives' majority, forcing them to rely on the patronage of councillors who sit as Independents."

"David Cameron has been Conservative Leader for a year but he is failing to make any great impact. By-election results are real votes in real ballot boxes and the Conservatives have to ask themselves why it is the Liberal Democrats and not themselves who are making the inroads into Labour held seats.

"The results also show that voters have not been fooled by Cameron's spin and lack of substance. People don't believe Conservative claims to be committed to the environment as anything other than a cynical attempt to create a different image for themselves.

"Their campaign against NHS cuts is unbelievable, given that Conservative MPs voted against the national insurance increase in 2002 that has boosted NHS spending to its current level. The NHS would be almost £10 billion worse off this year (or more than £1 million an hour) if the Tories had had their way!

"The Conservatives however, failed to pick up any seats at all from Labour. It is the Liberal Democrats who are challenging Labour and winning.

"David Cameron's platitudes and spin have failed to win them former Labour voters who are turning to the Liberal Democrats instead."

The net changes in seats contested in the November by-elections were:

Liberal Democrats +6

Conservatives +4

Labour -3

Independents/other -7

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    csnilibdems.org.uk/en/article/2006/063285/welcome-for-election-boost
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    csnilibdems.org.uk/a52JP

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image