Following the close of nominations yesterday Alan Lion, Lib Dem District Council candidate for Grange Hill ward, has been elected unopposed onto Chigwell Parish Council. No other party, including the Conservatives, seriously challenged the Lib Dems by putting up a candidate.
Supporting the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on 17th of May, Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Bristol West, has been joined by other MPs in urging the Government to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in the UK and abroad.
On the day that Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have launched Labour's local election campaign in England, the Liberal Democrats have slammed their irresponsible campaign. Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat Party President said "Voters will judge Labour on May 4th on their record on council tax, crime, and local issues. Council tax is an unfair tax and must be scrapped. Pensioners were bribed with a discount last year, which has not been repeated, meaning that four million pensioner households will suffer this year. By exaggerating the threat of crime in areas where they are in opposition they undermine the good work done by the police and local councils in reducing crime. Labour's strategy to increase people's fear in their communities is deeply irresponsible."
South Lakeland MP Tim Farron and Kendal's Mayor Geoff Cook are backing a bid for local schools to undertake projects that will look at finding ways to respond positively to climate change. Tim and Geoff launched the bid at Ghyllside Primary School in Kendal last Thursday. If the bid is successful, our area could become England's flagship area for sustainability conscious schools.
Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament Andrew Duff has welcomed the agreement reached last night to increase the European Union budget for the years 2007-13.
Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Steve Webb MP has responded to the open letter from Doctors For Reform to the leaders of all parties by reiterating the Liberal Democrats' commitment to an NHS based on need, not ability to pay.