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Libs Dem Conference calls Cornwall 'a unique county'

PACKED CONFERENCE DISCUSS LIB DEM PLANS FOR CORNWALL

Over 120 of the Cornwall Liberal Democrats gathered on Saturday to begin the fight for next year's council elections.


Welcoming the delegates to his home town of Bodmin, North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson said: “Our party's greatest asset has always been it's grassroots support - the Lib Dems are the only party in Cornwall who could fill a room with so many talented people.”

Election experts from across Britain provided training for the members, revealing the latest campaigning techniques. Meanwhile, panels of MP's, top councillors and outside experts gave advice on three big issues – tackling the affordable housing crisis, empowering local communities and creating a “low carbon economy”.

Representatives from Groundswell Cornwall, Cornwall Rural Housing Association, Campaign for Affordable Housing Cornwall and the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership were welcomed by delegates, who listened to their views on the opportunities that lie ahead as well as answering questions from members.

Former party leader Sir Ming Campbell and deputy leader Vince Cable also took part in the conference, highlighting the importance of Cornwall for the Liberal Democrats nationally.

Every Cornish MP, Grahan Watson MEP, Lord Teverson, Lord Tyler and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates Terrye Teverson and Stephen Gilbert were also present.

Vince Cable MP, who gave the keynote speech, said "The Liberal Democrats are the only party with enough talented MP's to run the country."

The former chief economist for Shell UK said that the party actually had such a good record for economic policies that their ideas were frequently stolen by the other parties;

"We suggested independence for the Bank of England years before Gordon Brown stole the idea. We have also been saying for several years that the house price bubble was storing up trouble for the future and it gives us no pleasure to be proved right on this one"

The conference, with representation from every constituency in Cornwall and every level of council, brought the Lib Dems in Cornwall together and the mood was hugely positive.

Liberal Democrat member Val Cox said she enjoyed the event both as a social occasion and as a serious step towards making Cornwall a better place:
“It's been great to discuss the issues that we want to see at the heart of next year's election manifesto with colleagues from around the county.”

Dame Annette Egerton, Chair of the Cornwall Liberal Democrats believed that the event marked the difference between the Liberal Democrats and the other parties:
“We are the only major party which allows the members to decide policy. By involving more ordinary people in the process, we can be confident that our campaigns will strike a chord with the Cornish people.”

Cllr. Arwen Folkes who organised the event in her own ward in Bodmin St Petroc added "The day has gone very well, the support of local companies such as Proper Cornish, Just Water, THR and Fishnik photography has helped it be a real success. This is just the beginning of a process that will ensure that we are campaigning on the things that really matter to the people of Cornwall. As Lib Dems we will work hard to continue to be a strong voice for the people of Cornwall and to create a council that can effectively meet the needs of our diverse and unique county."