Liberal Democrats have welcomed Brian Laming’s success in the Oliver’s Battery and Badger Farm by-election on January 27, 2011.

The final result was:

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The Executive of Winchester Liberal Democrats passed the following resolution at its executive meeting on October 28, 2010:

“The Executive Committee of Winchester and Chandler’s Ford Liberal Democrats applauds the achievements of Liberal Democrat ministers in the coalition Government, and recognises that compromise is the essence of a coalition. However we believe that if we are to secure the trust of the electorate in Liberal Democrat policies and politicians, it is essential that promises made to the electorate are kept even when it becomes difficult to do so. We therefore call upon Liberal Democrat MPs who signed the NUS pledge, to oppose the rises in tuition fees as they promised to do before the election.”

2010 Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Martin Tod, commented:

“I am very pleased that the Executive have passed this resolution. I made a personal pledge to students in Winchester to oppose an increase in tuition fees – and, had I been elected, I would have kept it. I urge all Liberal Democrat MPs who signed the pledge to do the same.”

Winchester Lib Dems celebrate gaining control of Winchester City Council

At the elections on May 6th, the Lib Dem team won overall control of Winchester City Council for the first time since 2002.

New Lib Dem leader of the Council, Kelsie Learney said “After four years of Conservative control there’s a lot we need to do to sort out the Council’s finances. It’s a top priority for us to keep council tax down, and we also need the council to do more on the environment and anti-social behaviour. The Conservatives used Council reserves to balance the books, and even without the loss made in Icelandic banks, the cupboards are just about bare.”

Unfortunately, local Lib Dem campaigner, Martin Tod, narrowly lost the battle to be the area’s MP.

Martin Tod added: “I’m grateful to everyone who supported me, particularly the many people who worked so hard on the campaign. Obviously I’m disappointed at the result, although encouraged that many of the things I campaigned for look set to be done by the new Government. On the day, I got more votes than 458 of the MP’s elected, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”

Last night was the final of the three televised Leaders’ debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy.

Most post-debate polls scored this final debate to David Cameron, but again put Nick Clegg clearly ahead of Gordon Brown. An analysis by pollsters Angus Reid of previously undecided voters who watched the debate gave Nick Clegg 37%, David Cameron 25%, Gordon Brown 22% and Not sure 16%. Angus Reid found that 32% of undecided voters say they are now more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats after watching the final debate, with just 18% Conservative and 15% Labour.

In his closing statement at the final leaders’ debate, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“Everything I’ve said during these three television debates is driven by my simple belief that if we do things differently this time, we can create a fairer, better Britain.

“As you decide how to cast your vote, of course you’ll be told by these two, that real change is dangerous, that it can’t be done.

“Don’t let anyone scare you from following your instincts. Together next week we can change Britain for good.

“Just think how many times you’ve been given lots of promises by these two old parties – only to discover when they get into Government that nothing really changes.

“We can do so much better than that this time.

“Of course I can’t guarantee that every problem you face will be solved overnight. But I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to deliver greater fairness for you.

“Fairer taxes, so that you pay less but people at the top pay their fair share.

“A fair start, smaller class sizes, for your children.

“A different approach to the economy.

“And open, decent politics which you can trust once again.

“I believe all this can happen. This is your election. This is your country.

“When you go to vote next week, choose the future you really want. If you believe like I do that we can do things differently this time, then together we will really change Britain.

“Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t happen. It can. This time, you can make the difference.”