Lib Dems expect good progress in Thursdays council elections

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 1st May 2006

Liberal Democrats in the East of England are expecting to make good progress in this week's local elections.

In a statement today Euro MP Andrew DUFF said:

"Having criss-crossed the region helping local Lib Dems in the election campaign, I am optimistic that the party is set to increase its vote. By Friday, we will have more councillors than we do now. Party morale is high and organisation has never been better.

"The incompetence of the Labour government is a big issue on the doorstep. Labour has no excuses left for the poor state of the NHS. And people clearly resent the clumsy arrogance of Whitehall which continually reduces the autonomy of local government.

"The Conservatives have no policies on decentralising power or rejuvenating democracy. Far too many Tories are exploiting popular prejudices against immigrants to be worthy of respect. And Mr Cameron's claims to lead a green party are frankly incredible.

"The UK is falling way behind the European league in terms of quality of civic life. I hope that people will vote in large numbers on Thursday for a party that is genuinely committed to local decision making and to tough environmental policies at all levels of government - recycling household waste, penalising the big polluters in the aviation and electricity supply industries, and in giving the European Union the power to lead the world in combating climate change.

"Voting Liberal Democrat across the region sends the right message."

ENDS/…