THE BOROUGH’S Liberal Democrats were given a post-election treat as national leader Vince Cable came to meet with them.
And he told The Wokingham Paper that the visit on Saturday, May 12, energised him.
The special question and answer session was led by Cllr Clive Jones and held at Maiden Place Community Centre. It was Mr Cable’s first visit to Berkshire since he became leader of the Liberal Democrats in the wake of the 2015 General Election.
In it, he spoke of the state of the Liberal Democrat party today, the situation in Westminster and national issues as well as taking questions from local members.
Mr Cable said: “I get a lot of energy and enthusiasm from meeting our local councillors.
“The party has very strong grassroots and we’re starting to make a comeback, a serious comeback.
“There’s a large and enthusiasts group here tonight. I think the party in this area has a very good future.”
Before the meeting started, Mr Cable took time to speak with The Wokingham Paper’s team, including Tony Johnson: look out for his reflections in a forthcoming commentary.
When asked about issues that affect the borough such as housing plans for Grazeley, Ruscombe and Barkham Square, he said: “The fact is we need housing, the issue is how we do it. We do need otherwise young people can’t afford.”
He said that councils needed to get the right infrastructure in place first, including doctors surgeries and roads.
He also called for affordable housing and social housing.
“We’re not against new houses, there has to be the infrastructure, but there has to be a balance between the two,” he said.
And local Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris was pleased to welcome their VIP.
He said: “I’m delighted to have Vince here. There’s a really big crowd here tonight. He means a lot to us.
“We now need to build on the future and having Vince here shows that he has confidence [in us].”
[tie_slideshow]
[tie_slide] Slide 1 |
[/tie_slide]
[tie_slide] Slide 2 |
[/tie_slide]
[tie_slide] Slide 3 |
[/tie_slide]
[/tie_slideshow]
