Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited Highbridge on Saturday (January 12th) to launch the Liberal Democrats’ county elections campaign in Somerset.
Mr Clegg was joined by Paddy Ashdown and local MPs Tessa Munt, David Heath, Jeremy Browne and David Laws at Morland Community Hall.
During the 45 minute visit, he made a speech to the party’s election candidates before he took a walkabout in the nearby Morland estate, as pictured.
He put aside any coalition affiliations and claimed the Conservatives had poorly led Somerset County Council in recent years.
“We have come here to launch our challenge to the Conservatives who have forced this County to its knees over the last four years. The Lib Dems want to run services with down-to-earth common sense!” he said.
He criticised the County Council for “spending £4 million on new office furniture and carpets for its staff”, and went on to attack the Conservatives for other spending decisions. Click here to see online video of the speech.
Mr Clegg also met Highbridge and Burnham Marine by-election district council candidate Helen Groves, pictured, whom he praised as a strong candidate.
Helen welcomed Mr Clegg’s visit, telling Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I’m really pleased that Mr Clegg has come to Highbridge – not for any political reason – but because it is fantastic to have the Deputy Prime Minister in town so we can discuss in person some of the problems we face.”
Somerset County Council’s elections take place across the Burnham area on Thursday 2nd May and the Highbridge and Burnham Marine by-election will be held on January 24th.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg addressing party members in Morland Hall
Mr Clegg on his walkabout with Paddy Ashdown and Tessa Munt
Mr Clegg with the Lib Dem election candidates for the Well constituency
The county’s MP’s with Paddy Ashdown and the Lib Dems’ county leader
Nick Clegg articulated his views on the Conservative-run county council
The Deputy PM in full flow during his speech in Highbridge
The Deputy PM with his party’s candidates on Saturday
