Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, joined Manchester's 38-strong Liberal Democrat Group of Councillors on the first full day of campaigning for this year's local elections at Manchester Town Hall today (Tuesday 4th April 2006).
Sir Menzies then met Hazel Grove and Cheadle MPs Andrew Stunell and Mark Hunter, Stockport Council Leader Councillor Brian Millard and colleagues from the 35-member Liberal Democrat ruling Group on the Council to launch the Liberal Democrat local election campaign in the borough.
Manchester Liberal Democrats are looking to build on their success in gaining 16 seats from Labour in the city at the last two sets of local elections. The Lib Dems are hoping for further triumph following their spectacular capture of the Manchester Withington Parliamentary seat at last year's General Election when John Leech MP was elected with the biggest winning swing in the country.
A loss of 9 seats for Labour in Manchester could see them lose control of the City Council for the first time in over 30 years.
Sir Menzies joined Councillor Simon Ashley, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Manchester City Council, and Gill Gardiner, Chair of the North West Region Liberal Democrats, and Councillors with a sea of 'Winning Here' posters on the steps of Manchester Town Hall at 3pm for the launch of the Manchester Liberal Democrat Election Campaign and Manifesto.
Sir Menzies said:
"Liberal Democrats in Greater Manchester have made historic breakthroughs at Council and Parliamentary level in recent years.
We offer a positive alternative and clear plans to remedy Labour neglect.
That is why people are turning to the Liberal Democrats in ever growing numbers"
Councillor Simon Ashley says:
"It is great that Sir Menzies came to launch our campaign in Greater Manchester on the first full day of this year's local elections. Manchester people know that the Liberal Democrats are serious challengers now for control of the City Council with 38 Councillors. We have four Liberal Democrat MPs in Greater Manchester and the Councils hat we run in Stockport and Bolton have both been rated as four star Councils, the highest level that can be achieved, by the independent Audit Commission. Liberal Democrats offer a fresh choice and a new direction to the people of the City and the wider region. People can see that voting Liberal Democrat can make a difference to their lives."
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