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
Plymouth Liberal Democrats have expressed their sadness at the sudden death of Charles Kennedy, the party's former leader. His death at the age of only 55, was announced this morning and came as a shock to many members.