Nick Clegg leadership - Councillor Wera Hobhouse and John Heyworth

9.00.00am GMT Thu 20th Dec 2007

Nick Clegg speaks after result is declared, first speech

LIBERAL Democrats in Heywood and Middleton have welcomed the election of Nick Clegg as the new Leader of the Party. The result of the vote of Liberal Democrat members was announced on Tuesday 18th December.

In a message sent to members in Heywood and Middleton shortly after the result was declared, Councillor Wera Hobhouse said, "Nick Clegg will be a great Leader of the Liberal Democrats and I am delighted he has won the backing of members.

"Unlike the Labour Party, who gave Gordon Brown a coronation and are already regretting it, we have had a vibrant contest, with the leadership contenders travelling all round the country, setting out their ideas and listening to the views and suggestions of party members. We showed once again how we are the most open, Democratic Party in British politics.

"This is an exciting time to be a Liberal Democrat. Gordon Brown's Government is blundering from one disaster to another. But the Conservatives' policy-lite PR agenda has failed to catch people's imagination. People are ready to hear what the Liberal Democrats have to offer.

Mr. John Heyworth, Chairman of Heywood and Middleton said:

"We have already planned our first newsletters featuring our new Leader. They will be going to residents shortly. And over the next few months, I will be taking a team of colleagues to call on local people and encourage them to support the party.

Whether it be after the fantastic result in Middleton North where the Lib Dems scored a 21.3% swing from Labour or the absent Councillor sunning himself in sunny Spain on taxpayers expense it is clear that the residents of our area want change and the Lib Dems offer that.

"The election of Nick Clegg has put wind in our sails and under his leadership, we are moving forward in Heywood and Middleton."

ENDS