Stafford Lib Dems Welcome By-election Boost

9.22.00pm GMT Tue 5th Dec 2006

Barry Stamp campaigning to increase the Liberal Democrat vote in Stafford

Liberal Democrats in Stafford have welcomed the party's election winning performance in council by-elections held in November.

At a meeting of members where campaign plans for next May's local elections were stepped up a gear, Barry Stamp Parliamentary Spokesperson for Stafford, said the results showed that Labour had everything to fear from a Lib Dem challenge.

"November was an extremely successful month for the Liberal Democrats as we gained more seats in council by-elections than any other political party," said Barry Stamp. "Despite all the hype that the Conservatives are gaining ground they made no gains at all from Labour whilst the Liberal Democrats gained 4 from them.

"These results certainly bode well for next years local elections here in Stafford where I expect the both the Conservatives and Labour to loose seats. David Cameron has been Conservative Leader for a year but he is failing to make any great impact. I believe the results show that voters have not been fooled by his spin and lack of substance. People recognise that the Conservative's claim to be committed to the environment is nothing more than a cynical attempt to create a different image for themselves. Similarly their campaign against NHS cuts is unbelievable, given that Conservative MPs voted against the national insurance increase in 2002 that has boosted NHS spending to its current level. The NHS would be almost £10 billion worse off this year (or more than £1 million an hour) if the Tories had had their way!"

"Locally people are beginning to see through the Conservative claims that they can keep council tax down without affecting services. Only last week it was announced that dozens of grants to community groups were being cut or scrapped completely, which charges for many council services are steadily rising."

"By-election results are real votes in real ballot boxes and the Conservatives have to ask themselves why it is the Liberal Democrats are coming out on top in the polls," added Barry Stamp.