Local councillors are at the heart of our party. I am standing as President of the Liberal Democrats because I believe we need to reconnect that core of the party around the country with the leadership at Westminster. Since 2010, councillors have paid the price for the party entering into the Coalition, many have lost their hard won seats and most have had to defend the party in the face of hostility in Council chambers.
Regardless of the outcome of next May’s General Election, I believe the party must concentrate on rebuilding our local government base. If we want the Liberal Democrats to be a force in British politics we must ensure we have a strong presence in every community and in every Council chamber. We are fortunate that ALDC has over many years provided support and training for campaigners in the party. Kick-start has been a huge success, it engages Council groups facing elections and for many activists it is the only professional training they receive from the party. The ALDC website, Facebook page and publications are excellent and as President I will ensure ALDC is well resourced and supported.
The way in which ALDC has promoted community politics over many years has empowered individuals to work and win in very different areas across the country. Our ability to win local seats in very urban areas, in rural seats and suburbia has been the envy of the other parties and is due in a large part to the support provided by ALDC.
I am very keen that the experience of former councillors, who have lost their seats since 2010 and before is not lost to the party and that is one reason why I am setting up the Network of Experience in January. We need to make sure that even if people don’t want to stand again themselves that they are encouraged to act as mentors for those who do. The other aim is for it to act as a support network for all elected representatives who have lost their seats. I know how devastating it is to lose when you have worked so hard for the people who have elected you. Nobody who hasn’t gone through it knows what is really like. It can also be very difficult for those who have decided to stand down themselves, to adjust the fact that after all those years of service there is now no way of helping to be a force for change in people’s lives. I also think a network will be a way to acknowledge the fantastic contribution many people make to our party. We should do more to support people if they lose and let them know they are not alone and that their expertise is still valued by the party.
Finally, I am very conscious we do not thank people enough for the work they do for the party. The Liberal Democrats are extremely fortunate to have such a great team of talented and hardworking councillors – Thank you!
Contact Liz:
Email: lizlynne4president@gmail.com
Website: http://lizlynne.org.uk/en/
Facebook: Liz Lynne for Lib Dem President
Twitter: @LizLynne1