"Conference a success" - Westminster Liberal Democrats

11.28.05pm GMT Wed 12th Mar 2008

Whilst at conference, local party chair Mark Blackburn spoke with Sarah Teather MP about how Westminster's post offices are threatened with closure

Local LibDems have returned from their spring conference in Liverpool in a confident and upbeat mood. This year's conference was attended by a record number of people.

Commenting, chair of the local party Mark Blackburn said, "Liberal Democrats had a successful conference. The party held important debates about putting people back in control of the NHS and making sure we have enough affordable homes for all who need them.

"Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP gave a superb speech. He highlighted just how deeply unfair the tax system has become under Labour, with too many people on low or middle incomes paying too much tax.

"And our new leader, Nick Clegg MP, really hit the nail on the head when he said that we need a 'new type of politics' and clean up Parliament.

"I know that many local people here in Westminster feel that although Parliament is physically in our backyard, it feels, at the same time, to be far too remote and out-of-touch. So I was very pleased to hear Nick Clegg talk about LibDem demands for deep reforms to the way government works.

"Nick's plan to allow people to sack their MP if they abuse their position or expenses is a fantastic idea and I hope that it is put into action soon.

"Now that we are back from conference, we are stepping up our local campaigning. We are taking Nick's message of change to local people and I am sure that they will get a good response."