Liberal Democrats in Coalition Government (East Hampshire Liberal Democrats)

Liberal Democrats in Coalition Government

May 14, 2010 12:00 AM

We are living in historic times. The Liberal Democrats have formally entered into a coalition with the Conservative Party.

The General Election result for us nationally was disappointing - the predicted Lib Dem surge did not happen - here in East Hampshire despite the best efforts of Adam and his hardworking team we were hit by the Tory surge across the south. However, we are aware that Labour's vote crumbled and halved to 4,000, and Liberal Democrat support held up with over 15,500 votes cast for political reform (including a referendum on the voting system); a significant change in economic policy with changes to the tax system for the least well off.

The decision to enter into a coalition was not taken lightly, crucially our policy against ID cards looks to be supported as is our position on improved funding for education and real action on the environment. Irrespective of Cabinet posts, our policies stand an excellent chance of being implemented. And that is why we are in politics - to see change and to see improvements in the governance of our country.

Whether this Government will stand the test of time or deliver on our key priorities remains to be seen.Locally we face an enormous challenge with full elections across East Hampshire next May. It is critical define our new vision for a Liberal Democrat East Hampshire, something of which we can be proud and campaign hard.

We are, without doubt, on the cusp of a new dawn for British politics. We will find it exciting and daunting in equal measure. There is without question a degree of scepticism throughout the party about coalition with the Conservative Party - but neither could we be seen to prop-up a defeated Prime minister and Labour Government. We are a democratic party and have a strong Liberal tradition of expressing our views. Should you wish to share your views - good, bad or ugly - please email us at: feedback@easthampshirelibdems.org.uk

For the first time in our lifetime we are now forming part of the Government and have the first chance in decades of seeing our policies finally put into practice.

Our thanks once again to all of you who supported and campaigned for us,putting so much into our General Election campaign. Now we need to do the same for the 2011 EHDC elections and we are starting this now!

Yours sincerely

Adam Carew, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, East Hampshire

Andy Martin, Chair - East Hampshire Liberal Democrats

East Hampshire Liberal Democrats