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| Totnes & Brixham Liberal Democrats | <info@totneslibdems.org.uk> |
Special Conference Report5.53.54pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th May 2010
Representatives of the Totnes & Brixham Liberal Democrats were present in Birmingham on the 16th May to attend a special conference called to debate the recent coalition agreement. The mood of Lib Dem members was described by one speaker as ranging from "excited but anxious" to "anxious but excited". The conference was opened by Baroness Ros Scott, the party president. She was warm in her praise for Nick Clegg and the negotiating team and was the first of many speakers to say that they had no alternative to making a deal with the Conservatives. The motion before the meeting mentioned the outcome of the General Election, the "long-standing desire of the Liberal Democrats to see parties working together" and the constructive nature of the coalition negotiations, itemising different areas of fairness important to the party. It then said "Conference further believes that the coalition agreement represents the best chance to create a stable government that can address the serious economic challenges facing the country in a fair and sustainable manner". One amendment emphasised the independence of the party and the possibility still to develop "new policy through its democratic processes". Other amendments mentioned inequality in income and wealth, tuition fees, human rights, LGBT equality, and proportional representation in local government. All amendments were carried without dissent. There were many speeches from ordinary members, including several members of the negotiating team and other MPs who pointed out that Labour had offered very little during talks. One said that the Labour Party was "preparing for opposition". Another said that they were concentrating on their own leadership election and not interested in any co-operation with the Lib Dems. Several people spoke of the backward-looking attitude of the Labour Party and that it would be impossible to have a progressive partnership with a party that was not progressive. Many speakers said that they had fought the Conservatives all their political lives and had had difficulty coming to terms with the agreement but the point was made, especially by Nick Clegg, that we have always talked about co-operation between parties and this is our opportunity to put into practice what we have preached. Nick Clegg brought the conference to a close in a huge hall with standing room only. He was proud and enthusiastic about being in government and having so many Lib Dem ministers, while acknowledging huge risks, both for himself and for the party. He felt that we now have the opportunity we have been waiting for and urged us all to work for success in the referendum on changing the voting system. Undecided voters swing to Lib Dems following final Leaders Debate6.09.15pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Apr 2010
Last night was the final of the three televised Leaders' debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy. Most post-debate polls scored this final debate to David Cameron, but again put Nick Clegg clearly ahead of Gordon Brown. An analysis by pollsters Angus Reid of previously undecided voters who watched the debate gave Nick Clegg 37%, David Cameron 25%, Gordon Brown 22% and Not sure 16%. Angus Reid found that 32% of undecided voters say they are now more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats after watching the final debate, with just 18% Conservative and 15% Labour. In his closing statement at the final leaders' debate, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "Everything I've said during these three television debates is driven by my simple belief that if we do things differently this time, we can create a fairer, better Britain. "As you decide how to cast your vote, of course you'll be told by these two, that real change is dangerous, that it can't be done. "Don't let anyone scare you from following your instincts. Together next week we can change Britain for good. "Just think how many times you've been given lots of promises by these two old parties - only to discover when they get into Government that nothing really changes. "We can do so much better than that this time. "Of course I can't guarantee that every problem you face will be solved overnight. But I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to deliver greater fairness for you. "Fairer taxes, so that you pay less but people at the top pay their fair share. "A fair start, smaller class sizes, for your children. "A different approach to the economy. "And open, decent politics which you can trust once again. "I believe all this can happen. This is your election. This is your country. "When you go to vote next week, choose the future you really want. If you believe like I do that we can do things differently this time, then together we will really change Britain. "Don't let anyone tell you it can't happen. It can. This time, you can make the difference." Third and Final Party Leaders' TV debate: The Economy2.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Apr 2010
On Thursday 29th April from 8.30pm, BBC One will host the final live Prime Ministerial Debate of the General Election from the Midlands. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in the run up to the General Election next Thursday. The first half of the 90 minute programme, chaired by Question Time host David Dimbleby, will debate the economy, with the remaining time to discuss other election issues. The debate will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 4, with coverage starting at 8pm. You can submit your own question to the debate on the BBC website at http://tinyurl.com/yasmba5 With Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg widely believed to have won the first two debates, this is the final opportunity to see the three leaders debating issues together directly before the General Election. Dartington Student Union Hustings11.09.13am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Apr 2010
Julian Brazil was in attendance yesterday evening at the Dartington student bar for an informal but spirited hustings. All candidates were present except for the BNP who were not invited, and the Conservative candidate who chose not to attend. Julian gave a strong showing on a number of issues including the abolition of student top-up fees, reforming Parliament and bringing fairness to the tax system. Julian was very disappointed with the decision to move the Dartington College of Arts to Falmouth. The students of this college made a valuable contribution to the area and will be sorely missed. If elected Julian will work with the Dartington Trust to ensure that the hole left by the relocation of the College will be filled by innovative projects that will benefit the area. Paddy Ashdown Visits Totnes10.58.53am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Apr 2010
Yesterday afternoon Paddy Ashdown visited Totnes to campaign for the election of Julian Brazil. Paddy spoke to local media before walking to the Civic Square where he made an inspiring speech urging the people of Totnes to vote for change. Paddy personally recommended Julian Brazil as being a candidate with a proven reputation for serving the people of the Totnes constituency. Paddy was well received by a sizable crowd which had gathered in the Civic Square. Paddy and Julian both took time after the speech to speak to people individually, before Julian had to leave to attend a hustings in Dartington. The main message of the day was that the Liberal Democrats are a party of change, and that if given power by the voters they would be motivated by policy rather than the old style of Westminster politics. Clegg Scores Second Win in Party Leaders Debate3.06.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd Apr 2010
An average of five polls conducted immediately after the Sky TV Leaders Election debate on Thursday night put Nick Clegg as the winner, with all instant polls showing him ahead of Gordon Brown. After the Foreign Affairs-led debate from Bristol dominated by issues like Iraq, immigration and climate change, Nick Clegg won 3 of the 5 polls on the night, building on his position after the first debate. The five "instant" poll results on the night:
The election has been thrown wide open by Nick Clegg's first debate win. A number of polls have shown that the Lib Dems and the Conservatives are neck and neck, with Labour trailing in third. BBC journalist Michael Crick said on Newsnight "The momentum is still with Clegg." Paddy Ashdown to visit Totnes4.58.43pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Apr 2010 Lord Ashdown - better known as Paddy - will be visiting Totnes on Monday 26th April from 4pm to campaign for the election of Julian Brazil. The Totnes Liberal Democrats would like to invite anyone interested in hearing Paddy speak to join us as we walk from The Plains up to the Civic Square, finishing with an impromptu speech from Paddy. Campaign Update 2: Global Cafe hustings4.55.17pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Apr 2010 Julian Brazil would like to thank Transition Town Totnes for hosting last night's Global Cafe event at the Methodist Church in Totnes. This event was a chance for Julian to speak to people directly on the environmental and energy issues that will have such a significant impact on the sustainable future of this constituency. Electors appreciate the chance to hear all the candidates responding to questions and presenting their arguments; candidates enjoy this form of direct campaigning. For many years hustings could not take place, so this opportunity has been very welcome. If Julian Brazil were elected as MP for Totnes he would be a committed and consistent voice for environmental sustainability and energy security. The Totnes constituency has the potential to become a shining example of a green rural economy, and Julian is committed to making this dream a reality. Julian has previously acted as chairperson of the Green Liberal Democrats and worked as environmental adviser to Charles Kennedy and Matthew Taylor. Julian Brazil's Campaign Update 12.53.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Apr 2010 Yesterday Julian Brazil met with Paddy Ashdown in South Brent to campaign for the re-opening of the local railway station. Since the 1960s successive governments have failed to support Britain's railway system. The Liberal Democrats believe that a rejuvenated railway system will be vital to Britain's future economy in an era of rising fuel costs and concerns over climate change. Julian Brazil and Paddy Ashdown agree on the need for rural areas to have a sustainable and affordable local transport system, and that the re-opening of selected railway stations is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The people of South Brent were out in force this morning to show their support for re-opening their local station by signing a petition. The local media were also in attendance to hear Paddy Ashdown speak eloquently on the need for rural areas to be connected to the national rail system in order to support local economies and to give local people the opportunity to enjoy reliable and regular public transport. Labour and the Conservatives may have acknowledged the need for high-speed rail, but they have given no indication that they would make the most of this new high-speed service by re-opening local lines and stations. The Liberal Democrats support the building of high-speed rail lines, but feel that it would be a wasted opportunity if these lines were not linked to local communities. Public transport systems are only as good as their weakest link, and unfortunately here in the South Hams we have many weak links. Julian Brazil advocates a holistic approach to public transport, linking local communities with major hubs, not just servicing the most populous areas. A vote for Julian Brazil is a vote for sustainable local public transport. Second Party Leaders' TV debate: Foreign Affairs11.08.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Apr 2010
The second Party Leaders Debate is taking place this Thursday starting at 8pm on Sky News. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in a TV debate in the run up to the General Election on May 6th, this time leading on Foreign Affairs. The first half of the 90 minute Election Debate on Sky News will be devoted to Foreign Affairs, with the rest on any topic. The debate comes from Bristol, and will be chaired by Adam Boulton. Sky are inviting questions before the debate, with more information at http://news.sky.com/skynews/Election/debatequestion You can see the debate live anywhere that you usually watch Sky News: Sky Digital Channel 501, Virgin Media Channel 602 and Freeview Channel 82 and online at skynews.com Live Video Streaming. BBC 2 will also be showing the debate in full at 11.30pm after Newsnight. The third debate will take place on the BBC on 29th April at 8.30pm, focusing on the Economy. Nick Clegg is widely judged to have won the first Party Leaders debate, watched by 9.9 million people, with the ITV/ComRes poll after the debate giving Nick Clegg 43% of the vote. Over the last week, the Liberal Democrats have seen a massive surge in the opinion polls. In polls published on Tuesday, the Liberal Democrats lead in two, and polled between 34-26% of the vote in all of them:
There are a number of ways you can show your support for the Liberal Democrats General Election campaign:
Archive of earlier news stories
Published and promoted by Nick Edwards on behalf of Totnes Liberal Democrats, 43 Fore Street, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5HN. The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider. |
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