LOCAL Lib Dems were out and about in Castle Ward on Saturday as part of the 'Make a Difference Day' organised by Castle Ward Forum. Nick Perry, the Lib Dems' new parliamentary campaigner said, "It was a wonderful turnout and I am very glad that the weather was kind for us.  Judy Russell and all those who helped out have done a marvellous job.  It is inspirational to see so many people with a passion for making Castle Ward a more attractive place to live and work, and a willingness to offer their time and effort free of charge."

Paul, of Deepdene Gardens , Hastings , who is married with two children, was the campaign organiser for Mark Coote, Conservative candidate at the 2005 General Election, and was himself a Tory candidate in Castle and Old Hastings wards at the 2004 and 2006 HBC elections.

25-year-old Paul was a key Young Conservative activist. Speaking at the weekend about his decision, Paul said,

“The Conservatives and I parted company a few months ago. I have been thinking hard about my political future and believe that the Liberal Democrats are the way forward for me, for our constituency, and for the country.”

 “I have also decided to join the Lib Dems because they have stuck to their commitment to a referendum on Europe . As far as I am concerned, even if I don't agree with every single policy, what you see is what you get with the Lib Dems.”

 Nick Perry, 31, the local Lib Dems' youngest ever parliamentary campaigner, has welcomed Paul's move. He said,

“We are a forgiving lot in the Liberal Democrats and won't hold Paul's political past against him, now that he has seen the light! He is a very welcome new member, with lots of skills and energy to contribute.

 “What I have learnt from Paul's experience of the local Conservatives is that whilst they are desperately trying to re-brand themselves, they are still very much the nasty party.”

According to reports in The Guardian newspaper,

“Under cover of a fringe meeting at [the] Labour conference Jack Straw, the justice secretary and lord chancellor, made it dismayingly clear that reducing the legal aid budget will be a priority.”

 Nick Perry, the new parliamentary campaigner for the Lib Dems, said,

“I am horrified to learn of the Labour Party's plans.

 “As a local mental health social worker, I know how important it is for the most vulnerable members of our community to have access to such assistance.

 “Our MP, Michael Foster, often reminds us that he is a lawyer. I want to know what he thinks of his own party's proposals?

 “He should be thoroughly ashamed of them.

 “Labour may be celebrating 10 cosy years, but it can no longer claim to be the party of the vulnerable and the disenfranchised.”

For every pound spent by councils, on average, 75p of it comes from central government as part of a cash grant to help pay for local services. But the government's spending plans for the next three years, called the Comprehensive Spending Review, will slam on the brakes and massively restrict the money Whitehall based ministers give to councils.

Liberal Democrats in Hastings and Rye have warned that Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council may be forced by the spending decision of the Labour government to increase council tax well above inflation.

Nick Perry, parliamentary campaigner for the Lib Dems said,

“Labour's spending plans are based on council tax rising at double the rate of inflation over the next three years. That will mean big council tax increases for the residents of Hastings and Rye .

 “Labour have no plans to reform council tax, the unfairest tax in the country. The Conservatives will also keep council tax. And Labour is making a bad situation worse by forcing up council tax by more than inflation.

 “This is bad news in particular for older residents who have fixed incomes or who saved all their lives and as a result are refused council tax benefit.

 “Council tax is shockingly unfair, and needs to be replaced by a system based on ability to pay. Local people should not be used to bail out Labour's Whitehall cash black hole.”

The new face ready to fight the Hastings and Rye seat at the next general election is that of 31-year-old Nick Perry, of Manor Road , Hastings .

Before Gordon Brown's announcement on Saturday, Nick was set for a frantically busy time as his partner, Ruth, is expecting their first child at the beginning of November.

Social worker Nick, a graduate of Cambridge and London Universities , was voted in as the local Lib Dems' dynamic new face, at a packed hustings on Friday night.

Nick, who works in St Leonards and is particularly aware of poverty and health issues in the town, said:

“I am absolutely thrilled that the local party has put their trust in me. And with our baby due on 7 November, I am delighted that Gordon Brown has lost his nerve over an Autumn election!”

The local Lib Dems new parliamentary hopeful pledged :

 “Over the weeks and months ahead, I will be campaigning against cuts to NHS services in our area. I will be campaigning for more affordable housing. And I will be campaigning to ensure that more is provided for our young people.”

He stressed:

“Our constituency needs Lib Dem councillors and a Lib Dem MP like never before. Labour and the Conservatives think the same on so many issues and have failed us so many times. The Liberal Democrats are the real alternative here.”

Nick takes over the role of Lib Dem PPC from the prominent local politician, Councillor Richard Stevens, who commented:

“Nick is a fantastic choice – his background in social work gives him the skills and the knowledge to be a superb advocate for the most vulnerable in our area. He has the energy and the abilities to be a wonderful MP for Hastings and Rye .”

Speaking at the launch, Leader of the Lib Dem Group on Hastings Borough Council, Cllr Richard Stevens said,  

“With our new pledge card we are letting local people know what the Liberal Democrats are standing for as we move towards next year's Borough elections.   “Just as there is election fever at a national level, so the Lib Dems are champing at the bit to put our proposals to local people.   “As I travel around, people tell me that they have noticed the Liberal Democrats standing up for them on a whole host of issues.   “The Lib Dems have a positive agenda which, I believe, local people will support next May.”  

THE SIX POINTS OF THE LIB DEM PLEDGE CARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

•  Lib Dems will listen and respond to local people

•  We won't waste your money

•  We will protect our environment

•  We will campaign for more jobs and affordable housing

•  We will provide more for our young people

•  We will back local arts and culture