In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."
On 5th May you have a choice. You can keep the discredited First Past the Post system to elect our MPs, or you can choose a new and fairer system - Alternative Vote (AV). Back the campaign for change at www.YesToFairerVotes.org
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
