Plymouth Lib Dems welcome new members as local party doubles in size

Dozens of members of Plymouth Liberal Democrats gathered on Saturday afternoon to welcome some of the many new members to the local party. There was a clear buzz of optimism and enthusiasm from everyone and it was good to see many young faces in the group.

Chair Hugh Janes welcomed everyone to what he called, "The biggest gathering of Plymouth Liberal Democrats in over five years." He introduced the other speakers, Stuart Bonar, Graham Reed and Steve Guy, then spoke of his pride at Lib Dem achievements in government, especially the Pupil Premium and the raising of the threshold at which people start to pay Income Tax. Both had been policies on the front page of the party's 2010 election manifesto.

"The impact of the new Tory-only government," Hugh said, "is already being felt with threats to take us out of Europe and repeal the Human Rights Act."

Hugh mentioned the potentially demoralising after effects of the party's defeat on 7th May, which was swiftly swept away with the surge in new members. This has been reflected in Plymouth, where membership has doubled.

Hugh closed with praise for both leadership candidates, Norman Lamb and Tim Farron, who began their round of hustings in Plymouth at a packed meeting. He emphasised their individual attributes and had both candidates' election material available to help members decide on their vote.