City to host first Lib Dem leadership hustings

Plymouth will this Friday play host to the Devon and Cornwall hustings for Liberal Democrats choosing their new party leader. It is the first in a series of hustings events to be held across the country.

Lib Dem MPs and leadership contenders Tim Farron and Norman Lamb will set out their visions for the party and answer questions from party members. Both candidates have made it clear that they are very keen to support the rebuilding of the party in the region after a very bad set of results for the Liberal Democrats at last month's General Election.

Local party chair Hugh Janes said, "Last month's results were tough for the Lib Dems, with many excellent, local MPs like Adrian Sanders defeated. But we have seen a massive jump in party membership - up over 16,500 nationally, including a great many here in Plymouth - and we have two superb candidates wanting to lead the party in the coming years.

"I and other local Lib Dems are looking forward to hearing from Norman and Tim, and quiz them too on their ideas, and I am very pleased that it is our city that will play host to this event."

People wanting to join the Liberal Democrats can do so online at: http://www.libdems.org.uk/join