LIBERAL DEMOCRAT HEAVY HITTERS HOLD CONFERENCE IN KIDDERMINSTER Liberal Democrat conference in Wyre Forest

5.30.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Mar 2010

Baroness Ros Scott, National President of the Liberal Democrat Party was amongst the guest speakers at the party's Regional Conference at King Charles I School in Kidderminster on Saturday 27th February. The Baroness was joined by the Leader of the Welsh LibDems, Kirsty Williams, who is also the Shadow Finance Minister of the Welsh Assembly, West Midlands MEP, Liz Lynne and Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull. The conference was introduced by Wyre Forest Parliamentary Candidate, Neville Farmer, Wyre Forest District Councillors, Helen and Peter Dyke, Aggborough and Spennells activist, David Ross and the new Regional Party President, Jock Gallagher, of Bewdley.

"It was a great day for the Liberal Democrats in Wyre Forest," says Neville Farmer. "The party stood aside for Richard Taylor in the last two elections but this time things are different. As Ros Scott said today, this election is about the economy, fairer taxes, getting the banks working for us, a fairer chance for children and cleaner, more local government. Fighting for this requires the strength of a national party.

"Wyre Forest needs a local MP but it also needs a bigger say in Britain's future," he added. "That's why I'm standing with the Liberal Democrats and that's why the party brought its conference to my old school as a demonstration of its support for what we're doing in Wyre Forest. "

Delegates attended from across the region, including parties from Lichfield, Rugby, Ludlow and all over the Black Country. Debates included policies on rebuilding the West Midlands' manufacturing base; and changing the culture of the NHS to place care, compassion and best practice ahead of commercial considerations.

Kirsty Williams AM gave a rousing speech with a call for change. "We have to get away from the unfair Britain the Tories built and that Labour have perfected," she said. "We have a unique opportunity to reject the old politics and build a fairer future."

"It's a real pleasure to be in Wyre Forest again," said Liz Lynne MEP. "We have a fantastic candidate in Neville Farmer and it's great to see the Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats working so hard."

"The conference has really put Wyre Forest back on the political map," said Neville Farmer. "Our local organisers and volunteers did an amazing job today and the party says it will definitely be back again."