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06/05/2005
Kennedy hails election success
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy announced that the era of three-party politics had begun in Britain, as the party celebrated a successful election.
The Liberal Democrats now hold 62 seats, compared to the 54 seats they won at the last election, and have seen their share of the vote rise from 18.3% to around 23%.
The Liberal Democrats took a number of seats from Labour, including Hornsey and Wood Green, Dunbartonshire East, Leeds North West, Rochdale, Manchester Withington and Birmingham Yardley.
However, the party lost several seats to the Conservatives, including Guildford and Newbury, although they did win Solihull and Taunton from the Tories. The Liberal Democrats had been hoping to unseat several of the top Conservative members in their “decapitation strategy”. However, only Tim Farron was successful, beating Shadow Education Secretary Tim Collins in the Westmoreland and Lonsdale seat. Senior Conservatives such as David Davis, Theresa May and Oliver Letwin all held on to their seats.
The Liberal Democrats retained many of their seats, including Cheadle, which was held by Patsy Calton – it is reportedly the most marginal seat in the UK.
Mr Kennedy said that the election results would lead to a new House of Commons, which would be “healthier”.
He said that the gains made by the Liberal Democrats in this election would leave them “well-poised to begin the task of providing the real alternative to this Labour government” for the next general election.
(KMcA)
The Liberal Democrats now hold 62 seats, compared to the 54 seats they won at the last election, and have seen their share of the vote rise from 18.3% to around 23%.
The Liberal Democrats took a number of seats from Labour, including Hornsey and Wood Green, Dunbartonshire East, Leeds North West, Rochdale, Manchester Withington and Birmingham Yardley.
However, the party lost several seats to the Conservatives, including Guildford and Newbury, although they did win Solihull and Taunton from the Tories. The Liberal Democrats had been hoping to unseat several of the top Conservative members in their “decapitation strategy”. However, only Tim Farron was successful, beating Shadow Education Secretary Tim Collins in the Westmoreland and Lonsdale seat. Senior Conservatives such as David Davis, Theresa May and Oliver Letwin all held on to their seats.
The Liberal Democrats retained many of their seats, including Cheadle, which was held by Patsy Calton – it is reportedly the most marginal seat in the UK.
Mr Kennedy said that the election results would lead to a new House of Commons, which would be “healthier”.
He said that the gains made by the Liberal Democrats in this election would leave them “well-poised to begin the task of providing the real alternative to this Labour government” for the next general election.
(KMcA)
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17 January 2005
Liberal Democrats launch election campaign
Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, has launched his party's strategy for the General Election by declaring them the "Real Opposition" to Labour. Mr Kennedy said: "The Conservatives have been fading away as a truly national party. Across a third of the country, they are not even in contention anymore.
Liberal Democrats launch election campaign
Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, has launched his party's strategy for the General Election by declaring them the "Real Opposition" to Labour. Mr Kennedy said: "The Conservatives have been fading away as a truly national party. Across a third of the country, they are not even in contention anymore.
14 April 2005
Liberal Democrats launch manifesto for a fairer Britain
The Liberal Democrats have launched their election manifesto, promising “dignity for older people, real opportunity for our children and a fair deal for families”. Declaring his party the “real alternative”, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy laid out the party’s priorities for the election campaign.
Liberal Democrats launch manifesto for a fairer Britain
The Liberal Democrats have launched their election manifesto, promising “dignity for older people, real opportunity for our children and a fair deal for families”. Declaring his party the “real alternative”, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy laid out the party’s priorities for the election campaign.
14 March 2005
Lib Dems announce plans to cut 'unfair' health charges
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Lib Dems announce plans to cut 'unfair' health charges
Free eye and dental checks and an independent review of prescription charges have been pledged by the Liberal Democrats as they unveiled their health policy package. The party's policy also includes plans to tackle diagnostic waiting times, which they have described as "Labour's hidden waiting lists".
03 February 2005
Liberal Democrats campaign for student vote
The Liberal Democrats have begun targeting the student vote, which it believes can 'swing' the vote in over 20 constituencies around the country in the next General Election. Speaking to a gathering of students at the London School of Economics, Mr Kennedy stressed the importance of the student vote.
Liberal Democrats campaign for student vote
The Liberal Democrats have begun targeting the student vote, which it believes can 'swing' the vote in over 20 constituencies around the country in the next General Election. Speaking to a gathering of students at the London School of Economics, Mr Kennedy stressed the importance of the student vote.
15 July 2005
Liberal Democrats celebrate by-election win
The Liberal Democrats are celebrating after retaining their seat at the Cheadle by-election. Mark Hunter, the Lib Dem leader of Stockport Council, won the seat by 19,953 votes. Mr Hunter beat his nearest rival, Conservative Stephen Day, who had been the area’s MP until 2001, by 3,657.
Liberal Democrats celebrate by-election win
The Liberal Democrats are celebrating after retaining their seat at the Cheadle by-election. Mark Hunter, the Lib Dem leader of Stockport Council, won the seat by 19,953 votes. Mr Hunter beat his nearest rival, Conservative Stephen Day, who had been the area’s MP until 2001, by 3,657.
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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.
