Congratulations to Mel and Ruth

7.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Aug 2006

Andrew Simpson was among other Lib Dem Councillors and members who were today celebrating the Civil Partnership ceremony for Spencer Lib Dem County Councillor Mel De Cruz and her long term partner Ruth Williams.

The ceremony held at the register office in The Guildhall, Northampton was the first in the town for a gay politician. Celebrations continued afterwards at the NBC social club in Fish street.

Mel De Cruz left Labour to join the Liberal Democrats at the start of 2006, her partner Ruth also a former Labour party member joined the Lib Dems in 2004 and stood for the party in the County Council elections last year.

"It was a very moving ceremony and packed to standing room only which is a great credit to both Mel and Ruth" said Andrew. "It was great to see two people pledging their love to each other in such a simple but moving way".