May's Manifesto Launched by Somerset Lib Dems

2.39.03pm GMT Thu 3rd Mar 2005

At the front from left to right;David Heath, MP for Somerton & Frome; Cllr Sam Crabb; Jeremy Browne, Lib Dem spokesman for Taunton; Cathy Bakewell, Leader of Somerset County Council; (behind Cathy) Graham Watson, MEP for the South West; (behind Graham) James Main, Lib Dem spokesman for Bridgwater; (to r of Cathy)Tessa Munt, Lib Dem spokesperson for Wells; David Laws, MP for Yeovil. Together with candidates for the county council elections on 5th May.

Every household in Somerset will shortly receive a copy of the Liberal Democrats' manifesto for the county elections in May, which was launched in Glastonbury on Monday 28th February.

Somerset's Liberal Democrat MPs, MEP and prospective candidates for this year's elections all came together to celebrate the positive achievements of the Somerset County Council Group and prepare to campaign on the pledges in the manifesto for 2005-9.

Prospective parliamentary candidate for Bridgwater, James Main commented how the manifesto made canvassing on the doorstep easier, with so many good news stories to refer to and Graham Watson MEP motivated everybody with the prospect of Liberal Democrat successes well into the 21st century.

Graham Watson commented:

"Liberal Democrats now stand on the cusp of history. We have a good chance of making significant gains in the forthcoming elections to be in our strongest position for 100 years. And we look forward to increasing our strength at every level of government. In Somerset County Council, Westminster and Brussels your Liberal Democrat team will be doing its very best to look after those matters that are important to you whilst continuing to make the Liberal Democrats a force to be reckoned with. The n'ersayers have tried to write us off in the past, but they are wrong. It's time to remember the tale of the hare and the tortoise!

Cathy Bakewell, Leader of Somerset County Council added:

"Glastonbury made us very welcome for the launch of our campaign. It was wonderful to have a full complement of parliamentarians (usually only Charles Kennedy himself can achieve such a turn-out!) and to inspire all the new candidates. They are confident of the county's record under the Liberal Democrats and that they will be campaigning on new policies to bring greater success in the future."

ENDS.