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16/07/2004
Lib Dem leader hails by-election victory
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has hailed his party's performance in the by-elections as a substantial victory which has left Labour licking its wounds.
The Lib Dems showed an upsurge in support at two seats in the Midlands, winning one in Leicester South, and coming a close second to Labour in Birmingham Hodge Hill. Mr Kennedy went on to claim that his party would have won the Birmingham seat if the vote had not have been split by support for George Galloway's anti-war Respect party.
The results have also spelled out what many regard as a disaster for Michael Howard and the Tories, who came third in both contests – a poor outcome for the party, considering they held second place in both seats in the 2001 election - and a development which will cast a shadow over Howard's leadership.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Kennedy said that he firmly believed the Iraq war was a key issue influencing the results. He added: "As Labour becomes unpopular, unlike what we have seen over many decades in British politics, people are not turning to the Conservatives as an alternative, they are turning to the Liberal Democrats. That changes the rules of engagement for the next general election completely."
(CL)
The Lib Dems showed an upsurge in support at two seats in the Midlands, winning one in Leicester South, and coming a close second to Labour in Birmingham Hodge Hill. Mr Kennedy went on to claim that his party would have won the Birmingham seat if the vote had not have been split by support for George Galloway's anti-war Respect party.
The results have also spelled out what many regard as a disaster for Michael Howard and the Tories, who came third in both contests – a poor outcome for the party, considering they held second place in both seats in the 2001 election - and a development which will cast a shadow over Howard's leadership.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Kennedy said that he firmly believed the Iraq war was a key issue influencing the results. He added: "As Labour becomes unpopular, unlike what we have seen over many decades in British politics, people are not turning to the Conservatives as an alternative, they are turning to the Liberal Democrats. That changes the rules of engagement for the next general election completely."
(CL)
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26 April 2005
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
06 May 2005
Conservatives now 'stronger opposition' claims Howard
Conservative leader Michael Howard has conceded defeat to Tony Blair and the Labour party in the General Election. Although announcing his intention to step down as Conservative party leader today, Mr Howard declared that the party was now a “stronger opposition” to Labour.
Conservatives now 'stronger opposition' claims Howard
Conservative leader Michael Howard has conceded defeat to Tony Blair and the Labour party in the General Election. Although announcing his intention to step down as Conservative party leader today, Mr Howard declared that the party was now a “stronger opposition” to Labour.
06 January 2006
Kennedy faces increasing pressure from MPs
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is facing increasing pressure from the party's MPs to step down, after he admitted having a drink problem yesterday. It emerged that eleven Lib Dem MPs had signed a letter of no confidence, prior to Mr Kennedy's statement, and were now threatening to call for a motion of no confidence next week.
Kennedy faces increasing pressure from MPs
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is facing increasing pressure from the party's MPs to step down, after he admitted having a drink problem yesterday. It emerged that eleven Lib Dem MPs had signed a letter of no confidence, prior to Mr Kennedy's statement, and were now threatening to call for a motion of no confidence next week.
02 December 2004
Sharon grapples to save Israeli government
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is desperately trying to save his government after he sacked his main coalition partner yesterday. Ministers from the Shinai party were dismissed following their refusal to back the 2005 state budget in a first reading in parliament.
Sharon grapples to save Israeli government
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is desperately trying to save his government after he sacked his main coalition partner yesterday. Ministers from the Shinai party were dismissed following their refusal to back the 2005 state budget in a first reading in parliament.
08 May 2015
Conservatives Secure Majority Vote
The Conservatives have gained the 326 seats needed to secure a majority in the Commons, having made gains in England and Wales. In total, the party secured 331 of 650 seats. Labour is the next largest party with 232 seats, then the SNP with 56. For the Liberal Democrats, they have lost 46 seats, to leave them with just eight Westminster seats.
Conservatives Secure Majority Vote
The Conservatives have gained the 326 seats needed to secure a majority in the Commons, having made gains in England and Wales. In total, the party secured 331 of 650 seats. Labour is the next largest party with 232 seats, then the SNP with 56. For the Liberal Democrats, they have lost 46 seats, to leave them with just eight Westminster seats.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
