PUT SHEPWAY FIRST MR HOWARD

Local Lib Dem campaigner Peter Carroll has condemned Michael Howard's decision to embark on a glitzy tour of UK cities today. Whilst he is busy launching his party's European campaign, his constituency's fate will be decided in the House of Commons.

An announcement will be made at 12.30pm today on whether or not Shepway's council tax rise will be capped this year.

Peter said "Today is a crucial day for our area, and where is our MP? At the other end of the country on party business. He always said his constituents would come first, but this is clearly not the case when he can't even be bothered to be in the House of Commons when an announcement is being made that will have a huge impact on his constituency's future.

"If he really cared about people in Shepway, he would be in the House of Commons ready to speak out to stop a minister from Whitehall making a decision that will cause great harm to everyone in our area."

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