Bridgwater and West Somerset Liberal Democrats

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."

The Liberal Democrat candidates in the Bridgwater and West Somerset Constituency for the West Somerset, Sedgemoor and Bridgwater Town Council elections are:

West Somerset Council

Old Cleeve - Ian Galloway

Watchet - Tony Bowden

Sedgemoor District Council

East Poldens - Camael King

Bridgwater Dunwear - Dan Kelly

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

AV is a small change that makes a big difference.

Saying YES! to Fairer Votes Means:

Woolavington by-election - 30th September

A by-election for the Woolavington ward of Sedgemoor District Council will take place on 30th September. Tina Marsh has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate, check back soon for more news.

Tina and the Lib Dem team have been conducting a survey to find out what issues people in Woolavington are concerned about. If you would like to take part in the survey you can fill it in on line or download a copy by following the links below:

Liberal Democrats are this week celebrating their best performance in Bridgwater and West Somerset since 1997.

The Liberal Democrat result in the newly expanded constituency improved for the first time since 1997, whilst the Conservative vote share fell compared to 2005 and the Labour Party suffered its worst result locally since 1945 when they tried to unseat the Independent Progressive MP Vernon Bartlett.

Prompted by former Conservative MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger's continued refusal to take part in any of the public meetings arranged by community groups in Bridgwater and West Somerset, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Theo Butt Philip has written to Mr Liddell-Grainger offering him a last-ditch opportunity to debate local issues in a public meeting.

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.

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.

Graham Watson, MEP in the South West England and Gibraltar region, led the proceedings as the Bridgwater and West Somerset Liberal Democrats opened their office for the general election campaign. As the campaign expands its operations, Theo Butt Philip hopes that the new premises will provide a focal point for volunteers and activists. The opening comes at a time of heightened interest in Lib Dem plans for real change across the UK and especially in the Bridgwater and West Somerset area.