'Freedom, Fairness & Trust' key themes as Northampton Lib Dems head for Bournemouth

2.37.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Sep 2004

Northampton Lib Dems at Bournemouth

Boosted by the dramatic by-election victory in Leicester South Northampton Liberal Democrats are sending their largest ever delegation to attend the Lib Dem Conference which starts in Bournemouth on Sunday.

Leading the delegation, Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said "Building on our success in recent by-elections we have a record number of members and councillors attending Conference for the first time. It's a sign of our growing strength in the town".

The party has launched its Pre-Election manifesto this week 'Freedom, Fairness, Trust' which will form the basis of one of the conference debates.

In addition Andrew Simpson is aiming to speak in the 'Policing for the 21st Century' debate on Wednesday and use it as an opportunity to call for greater moves towards community policing in Northampton. Other key debates include: Asylum & Immigration, International Trade, Transport, Health and Education.

"It's going to be a packed week" said Andrew "As well as deciding key policy areas for the run up to the General Election there is numerous fringe events and training sessions but I'm sure there also be a certain amount of celebration over recent by-election successes including winning Leicester South - so gaining our second MP for the East Midlands !"

Among the Northampton Conference Delegation are:

Cllr Andrew Simpson - Parliamentary Spokesperson, Northampton North

Cllr Richard Church - Leader, Northampton Borough Liberal Democrat Group

Cllr Trini Crake - Boughton Green ward councillor

Cllr Jane Hollis - St David ward councillor

Cllr Brendan Glynane - Delapre ward councillor

Cllr Jill Hope - Parliamentary Spokesperson for Harborough Constituency

Jean Hawkins - Secretary, Northampton Liberal Democrats

Ends