'Tea, Cakes and Debate' at Special General Meeting to discuss the 'New Politics'

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 5th Jun 2010

Chair Ian Stone opens the Ashford Liberal Democrats Special General Meeting

More than 50 members, supporters, councillors and interested parties met on Friday 2nd June for a Special General Meeting, organised by Ashford Liberal Democrats. Significant issues were discussed including the new Coalition Government, electoral reform, Big Society plans and the upcoming local elections.

Many new members and supporters had their say at the Special General Meeting

The event, arranged by Ashford Liberal Democrat Chair Ian Stone, was an opportunity for local people to voice their questions and concerns surrounding the national political situation and what it means for campaigns locally.

"Whilst reservations were expressed, it was generally felt that the Coalition was a good thing and a positive for the future of politics on a national level" commented Ian.

Chris Took, parliamentary campaigner, spoke on electoral reform whilst Kelly-Marie Blundell tackled the topic of the Big Society.

Councillors Rita Hawes, Brian Norris, Robert Cowley, Robert Packham, Sue Heaton and local party President Barry Wright were all present to inform new potential council candidates of the work and effort involved in being a local councillor.

The development of Ashford was discussed with many supporting the scrapping of regional targets. Liberal Democrat council leader Rita Hawes told many that "planning decisions, such as the proposed development at Kennington for a link road and 1200 houses, will more than likely account for most of your councillor casework."

"I am totally against the housing but see the merit of a link road - however council officials will not discuss a link road without the housing!"

Also discussed was the strategy required to take control of the local authority away from the Conservative party.

Commenting on the event Chris Took said "nationally there is a coalition government but locally we are focused on winning as many Conservative seats as possible at the next local election. The Conservative administration has made many mistakes and, as the official opposition on the council, we must outline a positive alternative to the current leadership."