Sir Menzies wins leadership contest
Ming Campbell has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats, taking over from Charles Kennedy. The full results of the all-member postal ballot were:
2 Mar 2006
Folkestone and Hythe News
The NHS National Homes Swindle
Shepway and Hythe Councillor Neil Matthews is recommending that people watch this Sunday's Panorama report on " The NHS National Homes Swindle". Neil has had personal experience of helping a relative with long term care.
2 Mar 2006
Norman Baker MP Welcomes Metering Decision for Folkestone & Dover Water
Commenting on the announcement today by DEFRA that Folkestone and Dover Water Services' application to be designated an area of 'water scarcity', which will allow them to make water metering compulsory for all households, has been approved, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Norman Baker MP, said:
1 Mar 2006
Lib Dems are the Only Opposition in Shepway
Lib Dem Council Group Leader Lynne Beaumont slammed the Conservative and People First Groups at Shepway for ignoring the needs and wishes of local people.
28 Feb 2006
Tim Prater and the Lib Dems launch "Truck Off" campaign for Cheriton High Street
On Saturday Tim Prater and the Cheriton Lib Dem started a direct action campaign to retake Cheriton High Street slip road for local residents. You can learn more about the "Truck Off" campaign at www.truckoff.org.uk including the Truck Off campaign plan, how to get involved and watch Sunday's coverage for the campaign on Meridian News.
27 Feb 2006
Briddock condemns Mayor suspension as an Assault on Democracy
The London Mayor Ken Livingstone has been suspended for four weeks after being found guilty of bringing his office into disrepute by comparing a Jewish reporter to a concentration camp guard.
25 Feb 2006
Prater Presents Parking Petition
Shepway Council have bowed to Cheriton residents power and reduced proposed increases in parking charges. Having collected 100's of parking petition signatures from residents, Lib Dem Campaigner Tim Prater is pleased the Council has been forced to listen but wants the increases stopped totally.
23 Feb 2006
Willie Rennie and Lib Dems Storm to Victory in Dunfermline
Willie Rennie and the Liberal Democrats have won a sensational victory in the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election. There was a massive swing from the Labour Party to the Liberal Democrats, just nine months after the General Election. The Liberal Democrats turned a Labour majority of 11,562 into a Lib Dem majority of 1,800. This victory was the first ever Liberal Democrat gain from the Labour Party in a Scottish by-election.
10 Feb 2006
Shepway's Parking Scandal - why does it cost so much to park in Folkestone?
A comparison of the cost of parking in local towns by local Liberal Democrats has revealed that Shepway residents are being charged more than in surrounding towns. Comparable parking charges in Dover, Deal, Ashford, Canterbury and Maidstone are all cheaper - with some under half the price.
5 Feb 2006
Kent Police: 2 More Arrests following Folkestone shooting
Police investigating the shooting of a man from Folkestone have made two further arrests. Two local men, aged 24 and 28, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
4 Feb 2006
The Endless Political Month...
If a week is a long time in politics, the last month has seemed almost endless. Following my assertion in my last column that I wanted Charles Kennedy to continue as leader, its best we avoid comment on the leadership contest. Lembit Opik MP backed Charles, backed Mark Oaten and is now publicly not backing anyone in order to avoid an asteroid hitting their campaign - I know how he feels!
TPCSLD
1 Feb 2006
Leadership election hustings - dates announced and all members welcome
The dates of the Liberal Democrat leadership election official hustings have been released. Following the close of nominations, the 3 candidates are Ming Campbell, Simon Hughes and Chris Huhne. The dates and times (with contact email for further information) are:
26 Jan 2006