Greg Stone launches Lib Dem campaign in Trimdon (Darlington and Sedgefield Liberal Democrats)

Darlington and Sedgefield Liberal Democrats <joe.kelley@darlingtonlibdems.org.uk>

Greg Stone launches Lib Dem campaign in Trimdon

July 6, 2007 11:35 PM

Lib Dems offer an end to a decade of Labour neglect

Greg Stone and the Liberal Democrats have promised to put Sedgefield issues at the heart of their By-election Campaign. Speaking at their launch on Trimdon Green, Sedgefield - Greg told supporters, "This is a chance to campaign on the the key issues that affect residents. People don't want the politics of spin and PR stunts - they want the politics of honesty and real action to real problems. People are sick of Labour's PR stunts.

Andrew Stunell MP and Greg - Taking the fight to Labour's heartlands.

"We launched the campaign in Trimdon to illustrate that we are taking the fight to Labour in their heartlands. We are campaigning for a better deal for local people, to end the waste in the NHS and to improve police services that Labour have cut and much more. There are so many issues that Tony Blair has abandoned. The neglect of places like Newton Aycliffe town centre. This is why Sedgefield Constituency deserves a full-time MP, helping dramatically improve local services and to make Sedgefield greener, cleaner and safer."

Labour guilty of anti-social behaviour

The Liberal Democrats have made a positive start to the campaign and it is clear that Labour fear the strong Lib Dem challenge. The launch was interrupted by a mob of Labour members who arrived and an attempt was made to disrupt the launch. Greg said, "It was real shame that they behaved in this manner. It is quite obvious that Labour's personal attacks and behaviour are a smokescreen to hide their neglect of Sedgefield. We will continue to be positive and give the people of Sedgefield a chance to finally have a full time MP who champions their concerns."

Lib Dem Front-bench MP Andrew Stunell, the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government joined Greg at the launch. He said, "I know that some of our elderly supporters including an 87 year old woman were in shock at Labour's behaviour. It wasn't pleasant and I am afraid that Labour's behaviour doesn't do politics any credit. Labour's Respect Agenda is today exposed as a sham and their own members bring the Labour Party into disrepute. Tony Blair's Respect Agenda has been betrayed by his own supporters and I hope that this is the last we will see of this anti-social behavior."