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:
The Hawkinge Gazette has been contacted by a reader asking: "Should the public not be made aware that the Conservative Party high command is seeking to tamper with independent surveys?"
Shepway Lib Dem Treasurer and no2id campaigner Darren Briddock welcomed the defeat in the house of lords of the governments controversial ID Card Bill.
Charles Kennedy has stood down as Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Mr Kennedy made the following statement at Liberal Democrat Headquarters:
Cllr David Dickinson led the Lib Dems on Shepway Council during some very difficult times. He did so with great dignity and integrity. I'm sure that I speak on behalf of the local Party when I thank him for his marvellous contribution.
2006 promises to be an exciting year in politics both locally and nationally. Locally, our group of Lib Dem Cllrs on Shepway District Council has a new leader to lead their work through to the local elections in May 2007.
As I write, it's a few days into the New Year, and there is a load of media and Party gossip whether Charles Kennedy should continue to lead the Lib Dems.
Congratulations to Di Matra of Dunes Road who entered the Shepway Lib Dem Christmas 2005 Quiz on line - and won! Di got 15 out of 16 answers correct, and won a DVD player which was delivered by Peter Carroll - a nice surprise just before Christmas!
At this time of year, we need to remember those worse off than ourselves. This Labour government keeps telling us that Britain is getting better; but it's not getting better for everybody. Unfairness divides our society. Inequality is worse than under Margaret Thatcher. We have an unfair tax system which means those on the lowest earnings pay more of their income in tax than the richest. Yet the new economy and the new information society have brought challenges and opportunities which should enable every individual to have the chance to make the best of their lives. These are challenges which I am determined my party will rise to.
Shepway Lib Dems would like to wish all members, supporters and web site users a very happy Christmas and a successful 2006. Many thanks for your support throughout the last year, and we look forward with new optimism to the New Year.
Lynne Featherstone MP has uncovered figures showing a staggering rise of 55% increase of families spending Christmas in temporary accommodation. In the South East, there has been a 29% rise in families in temporary accomodation in the last 5 years.
Shepway Lib Dems have elected their team to lead the Party locally for 2006, with a mix of new faces and experience. Tim Prater will take over as Chair in the New Year, with Neil Matthews as Vice Chair.
