'We're in it to win' says Lib Dem Leader

Sedgefield

Lib Dem Leader Sir Menzies Campbell joined by-election Candidate Greg Stone on a visit to our area. Sir Menzies visited Hurworth School and witnessed the neglect of the school including old buildings and rising class sizes.

"I am here to support Greg Stone, our excellent candidate". Speaking at the school, alongside local Councillors Martin Swainston and Malcolm Dunstone. Sir Menzies told parents, "This school was saved by the hugely successful campaign by local people and assisted by local Lib Dem Councillors. It is clear that local people have spoken and it is imperative that local people continue to have a say in local decisions. I was impressed by the head-teacher and pupils in what is an excellent school. It is quite clear though that significant investment is needed and the whole community must be involved in this process."

The visit was a trip down memory lane for Sir Menzies, a former Olympic sprinter. It was just up the road at Billingham where, in 1963, he made his debut for Great Britain in the 400 metres. He said: "The Conservatives have given up the ghost north of Birmingham, and we are now the opposition in the North East, just like we are in the House of Commons. The Conservatives are so close on a raft of issues - Iraq, tuition fees, Trident, nuclear power - it is extraordinary.

"It is clear that here in Sedgefield this is a straight fight between the Labour Party who have neglected Sedgefield for decades and Greg Stone. Greg is the only candidate with a solid record of action for the community."

Sir Menzies, then headed back to the Liberal Democrat HQ in Newton Aycliffe. Sir Menzies met over 150 volunteers - many of them from Sedgefield. He said:

"There is only a week to go and although I am not one to make predictions it is clear that the Liberal Democrats have Labour on the run. I would encourage people to join the hard working team in Sedgefield. We fight every election to win and we feel confident of an excellent result in Sedgefield."
Sedgefield Lib Dems