Worried Lib-Dems bring in national leader amid defeat fears

Apr 11 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LIBERAL Democrat officials have drafted in extra support to try to ensure the party retains control of Liverpool town hall in May’s local elections.

During a visit to the city yesterday party president Simon Hughes revealed the Lib-Dems were “worried” about recent defections, resignations, and internal arguments.

He said: “We have to make sure it does not get in the way. Of course we’re worried about it, the party responded by giv-ing party support here.”

Mr Hughes was in the city as the party launched its manifesto and said people in Liverpool were proud of the city and the regeneration that had taken place during the 10 years of Lib-Dem rule.

The national Labour party has made wrestling control from the Lib-Dems its number one target on May 1.

Council leader Warren Bradley said the party had done a huge amount of work in Liverpool over the past 10 years but needed to move to “another level”.

“In 1998 we were like a steam train going through the city. But it is time to step out of our comfort zone, Liverpool as a city is back in the Prem-ier League with the Liberal Democrats in the lead.”

He said jobs and ensuring the city was dynamic, vibrant, and well-connected were the most important issues.

Referring to the Dig Big, to upgrade the city’s infrastruc-ture, he said: “Yes, there is still some pain, but soon we will be enjoying the gain.”

The party’s manifesto includes supporting plans to harness the power of the River Mersey to generate 50% of Liverpool’s energy from renewable sources.

Support for the revolution-ary Maglev train system which would reduce journey times to Manchester to 10 minutes, and to London to around an hour also feature.

The party has hit the head-lines recently for high-profile defections, rows after deselec-tions, and the resignation of education leader Paul Clein.

Their majority at the town hall has shrunk to only six, but Cllr Bradley said it was the day-to-day issues that people would vote on.

“Our environmental en-forcement officers will deal with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, and allow communities to feel there is ownership by bringing war-dens and police community support officers together.”

Other Lib-Dem manifesto aims include:

Making 2008 a success so Liverpool becomes the “short holiday break and business conference centre of choice”.

Continuing to provide support like cooking and cleaning for the elderly, and improving exam results in schools so they are the best of any big city in the country.

Working with the Govern-ment, colleges, universities and Learning and Skills Council to reduce unemploy-ment in the poorest areas.

Continuing to renovate terraced housing in regenera-tion zones. Opening two more council one-stop shops – one in Wavertree and another in north Liverpool.

A pledge to exceed government recycling targets within two years, and fighting plans for incinerators.

Mr Hughes said: “Externally the impression of Liverpool is fantastic. I think we [the Lib-Dems] should be positive after 10 years.

“We have not run out of steam in Liverpool, there’s lots more to do.”

davidbartlett