Recommended reading for Lib Dem councillors and local campaigners over the last seven days:
Following the decision that we do get to vote on Fairer Votes on 5th Mays, The Telegraph reports the Deputy Prime Minister: AV referendum: it’s a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity, says Nick Clegg
18% – opinion poll good news for Lib Dems buried on page 5 of the Guardian: (LD 18, Lab 38, Con 35), and also very close on Fairer Votes: Alternative vote campaigns running neck and neck
Newspaper editorials support Fairer Votes: Andrew Rawnsley in the Observer says: The cynical enemies of electoral reform think we’re stupid, and the Scotsman / Scotland on Sunday says: Yes to AV
The Observer reports on anti-Barclays demonstrations: UK Uncut protesters target Barclays over tax avoidance
The Independent reports on: Organisations campaign against bus cutbacks
In Local Government:
The Independent reports on the LGA Chair Baroness Eaton in: LGA chief urges pensions rethink
All in the MJ:
Welsh Assembly unveils social services reviewCouncils renewable opportunities ‘worth billions’No quick fix to Scotland’s road maintenance backlog
Lib Dem Voice reports: Clegg shows Sheffield he’s up for the fight
Finally with the English local elections not much more than 10 weeks away, Conservative Home agrees with many ALDC members as it says: Let’s admit it, many Tory councils aren’t good enough
Tim PIckstone
tim.pickstone@aldc.org