Liberal Democrats WILL work with others

Written by Maureen Rigg and published in sent to Northern Echo, Darlington & Stockton Times. on Wed 16th May 2007

In response to your story today on the political situation in Stockton, I'd like to point out that the Liberal Democrat group has said since before the election "We will work constructively with all parties" (page 4 of our manifesto, available from www.stocktonlibdems.org.uk). I reaffirmed that message to all group leaders on Sunday 6th May. The response from the Labour group leader was "I have absolutely no interest in what a handful of Liberal Democrats have decided, or who you will or will not work with." That is not what I interpret as constructive working.

I would remind Ken Lupton, the Tory leader, that a rainbow coalition might sound like a lovely idea but rainbows are ephemeral and disappear as soon as the weather changes, leaving no trace behind.

While politicians can work together, those who've lost an election need to realise that they have to change. The people of Stockton didn't vote for more of the same old story.

The Cabinet may be a coalition of Labour and Conservative but it is not the whole of Stockton Council. Despite what other party leaders might say, the Liberal Democrats are still prepared to work constructively with other parties. Liberal Democrats have fought for the interests of the people of Stockton for over 25 years and we will carry on doing so in the future.