Local Lib Dems oppose destruction of regional news

[29 October 2008] Local Liberal Democrats have expressed their concern at the loss of ITV regional news coverage. Last month ITV announced 1,000 job losses including a 40% cut in regional news staff to protect its £1 billion annual budget in the face of a worsening advertising market.

In the North West the proposals will see an 11% cut in the Manchester workforce along with Border TV being amalgamated with Tyne Tees. Some daytime news bulletins will be dropped and the amount of regional news programming will be cut by half to just 15 minutes per week.

Liberal Democrats from across the North West voted overwhelmingly at their Autumn Conference in Manchester this weekend in support of a motion on the destruction of regional news.

Delegates endorsed a proposal to call on the government to introduce a new Broadcasting Bill that would toughen licensing requirements for the provision of regional news by independent companies.

Local Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies moved the motion and was delighted that his party colleagues shared his concerns. He said: "ITV is a keystone of news and current affairs in the North West and cuts in its output will be felt across the region.

"It's all part of the dumbing down of television, and as politicians draw up the rules for broadcasters we are principally to blame. Good news coverage informs and educates in ways that can make good television. It is a vital asset we should be not be throwing away"

Jobs are expected to be lost by early December.

Executive Elections for 2009

The results have been declared for our Regional Executive Elections for 2009

President Flo Clucas
Chair Sue McGuire
Treasurer Dave Smithson
Secretary Gill Gardiner
Vice Chair Campaigns Andrew Garner
Vice Chair Candidates Bruce Hubbard
Vice Chair Fundraising Shan Alexander
Vice Chair Membership & Development Jean Crossland
Vice Chair Policy Ann Walker
Vice Chair Standards and Practice Mark Clayton

Ordinary Member	Cumbria Representatives:
Hamza Afzal Viv Bingham Paul Carter Stan Collins Neil Hughes Shehnaz Somjee Hilary Stephenson John Studholme	Ray Beecham
	Greater Manchester Representatives: Qassim Afzal Susan Carson Martin Dinoff Brendon Jones Richard Wilson
Cheshire Representatives: Stephen Broadhurst Pat Fearnley Vera Roberts	Lancashire Representatives: Peter Finnigan Tim Young Merseyside Representative Nigel Ashton Tony Dawson Val Jay Shehnaz Somjee
English Council Representative Hamza Afzal Qassim Afzal Nigel Ashton Paul Carter Stan Collins John Commons Jeannette Crossland Maureen Fearn Gill Gardiner Sue McGuire (ex-officio as Chair) Shehnaz Somjee Tim Young	Regional Candidates Committee: Viv Bingham Paul Carter Val Jay Ann Walker

 

North West takes to the South Coast

[20 September 2008] Lib Dems from the North West were well represented at party conference in Bournemouth.

Stockport Councillor Shan Alexander was presented with the President's Award by Simon Hughes MP. Our regional party reception saw Lord Rennard praising the growth year on year of the Lib Dems in the North West.

The next Federal party conference is in Harrogate next March, and we return to Bournemouth again in September 2009.

This Autumn's Must-Have

[10 September 2008] Helping our campaigners beat the BNP - the "Lib Dems - Beating the Bad News Party - Bringing Britain Together" mug.

Yours for just five pounds either at Lib Dem events in the region (such as the Regional Conference!) or by dropping in to the regional office in Stockport to buy in person.

All the costs of producing the mugs have now been paid so for every £5 you pay, £5 goes to the Wolf Fund helping Lib Dems campaigning against the BNP.

 

Sir Cyril goes Back to the Future for his 80th!

It was the biggest celebration held at Rochdale Town Hall ever and rightly so. The event could have sold out an estimated 30 times over but put simply the night was a huge celebration of the ongoing life and inspiration that is Sir Cyril Smith. Comedian Jimmy Cricket, led the entertainment alongside the Rochdale Youth Orchestra, the Debrose Choir, the multi-award-winning Rochdale Brass Band with celebrity life coaches Nick and Eva Speakman. The night also saw a specially commissioned documentary featuring tributes from Jim Bowen, Tracey Dawson, House of Commons Speaker Mick Martin, Nick Clegg, Simon Hughes, Paddy Ashdown, David Steele, John Lee and others.

The night started under a huge banner entitled "Nice one Cyril" at the front of the Town Hall and a special birthday gift of the original Delorean used in the hit film "Back to the Future" from Nick and Eva Speakman. The Rochdale Youth Orchestra entertained in the lobby of the Town Hall followed by entertainment from Rochdale's finest talent in the main hall.

Paul Rowen MP said, "This was probably the best night i've had since being elected in 2005. Guests included Sir David Alton, Chris Davies MEP and the whole Lib Dem Council Group paid tribute to a great man. It was an absolute pleasure and priviledge to organise on behalf of our team and I would to thank all the people behind the scenes for making it happen including Greg Couzens, Sir Peter Ogden and Ann Bradley."

Sir Cyril said, "It was a night full of surprises. I have to admit that I had never heard of the film 'Back to the Future' but Dave from the office assures me that it is now more famous than 'Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang'. The night was brilliant and I am greatful to Derek Wiggett and Dave Hennigan who organised everything with their team. I've never craved the attention and I only work to ensure that Rochdale benefits from anything I do. Thank you to for all the wishes and I will continue to work hard in my remaining years for the town I love"

During his speech on the night, Sir Cyril paid tribute to Rochdale's MP - Paul Rowen. He said, "Paul is doing an excellent job and I am pleased for Rochdale that we have someone so committed as their MP. In life, whoever you are, if you have beliefs then follow them. That is all I have ever done and I am truly gratified at all this recognition. To be honest with you I wasn't planning anything. Paul Rowen talked me into it and I am pleased that we have raised well over £3,000 for Rochdale Childer at the same time.

"Nice one Rochdale!"

Thanks Elizabeth!

[23 May 2008] The Liberal Democrats performed well in the Crewe & Nantwich poll, resisting the squeeze on the third placed party that usually occurs in parliamentary byelections.

Video: Elizabeth Shenton thanks the many people who came and helped in her campaign.

Following the declaration, Lib Dem Chief Executive Chris Rennard said, "Many thanks to everyone who helped. Our campaign was a magnificent effort, with a superb candidate in Elizabeth and only a very short campaign in which to put our case.

"We can be very proud of Elizabeth, our campaign and the inspiration provided by Nick Clegg

"In previous by-elections where we've been main challengers, the party in third place has frequently been badly squeezed, even losing its deposit on occasions. But although we started in third this time, our vote was robust. Indeed, had we begun as main challengers, I believe we would have won.

"In any event, the vote was very much an anti-Labour Government vote, and in particular a vote against the 10p tax fiasco.

"The swing from Labour to the Liberal Democrats is a clear pointer to significant Parliamentary gains at the next general election.

"Thank you again to everyone who helped."

NW Welcomes Lib Dem LGBT Conference

[10 April 2008] The Lib Dems' lesbian, gay, bi and trans campaign group will be holding its first national conference here in the North West

The event will focus on campaigns and strategy and is set for Manchester on 28 June. See the Lib Dems for LGBT Equality website for details.

Euro 2009 Team

(26 Nov 2007) Following the one member, one vote ballot the North West Lib Dem team for the European Elections in 2009 has been announced.

1 Chris Davies MEP
2 Helen Foster-Grime
3 Sue McGuire
4 Qassim Afzal
5 Neil Corlett
6 Mark Clayton
7 Stephen Cooke
8 Peter Hirst