Commiserations to A.T. (the Third Man)

Labour 3rd in 2-horse race

Labour's vote collapsed in 2008 and they have NO County Councillors in our area

And now in 2010 with a collapse in the vote by another 11%

• Oct 20, 2010:
  • School safety must be our top priority
    Local campaigner and Lib Dem candidate for the forthcoming County Council by-election, Andrew Duffield, is fighting to get the streets around local schools made safer. He said "As a teacher I have seen how dangerous roads outside schools can be. I am calling on the Council to introduce 20mph speed limits outside all schools in Northumberland." A pilot scheme has been running in Hexham and Prudhoe where the 20mph speed limit is only in force in the morning when children are going to school and in the afternoon when children leave to go home. Andrew added "I would like to hear the views of local people to see what they think. We must make the areas around local schools safe for our children." Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 18, 2010:
  • Protect our local businesses
    Andrew Duffield has rejected Conservative calls to introduce parking charges in Ponteland at the same level as Morpeth and Hexham. Andrew said "The Conservatives are crazy to think that a one size fits all parking policy for the whole of Northumberland is the best thing for local families and businesses. "We need to look at each town and village in Northumberland and decide on a parking policy which best suits that area. "During these hard economic times we need to be encouraging people to shop in Ponteland and use local businesses. Introducing parking charges at the same level as in Morpeth and Hexham will only make it harder for local businesses." The Liberal Democrats are committed to helping local businesses in Ponteland. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 4, 2010:
  • Clegg signs Allendale Road, Hexham Petition
    Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP (centre) sign the petition with campaigner John Rourke and Councillor Derek Kennedy In a recent visit to the region Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, supported calls for improved safety measures on the Allendale Road in Hexham. Local man John Rourke has organised a petition with over 3,000 signatures calling for improvements after his daughter was knocked down where the Allendale Road intersects the Queen Elizabeth High School and St Joseph's Middle School. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said "I welcome such schemes and I am happy to put my signature to the petition."Councillor Derek Kennedy said "Liberal Democrat run Northumberland County Council, had made public safety a priority and we are committed to improving safety around our schools throughout the county. I am pleased to report that the introduction of a part-time 20mph scheme has taken a step closer following consultation with local residents. The proposed scheme will operate on school days only, just before the start of the school day and then at the end of the school day. The road will revert to its normal speed limit at non-school times. The system is likely to be introduced later this year." This will help support the recently introduced permanent 20mph zone at the QE High School and the surrounding terraced streets. However, not everyone is supporting the safety measures, it was reported in the newspaper, that the Conservative Mayor of Hexham vehemently opposed the measures calling them "a total nonsense" and making it clear he regards the scheme "a waste of money". Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 12, 2010:
  • Conservative Liberal Democrat coalition agreements
    Agreements between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Party was reached May 11, 2010. This document sets out agreements reached between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats on a range of issues. These are the issues that needed to be resolved between us in order for us to work together as a strong and stable government. It will be followed in due course by a final Coalition Agreement, covering the full range of policy and including foreign, defence and domestic policy issues not covered in this document. The parties agree that deficit reduction and continuing to ensure economic recovery is the most urgent issue facing Britain. We have therefore agreed that there will need to be: a significantly accelerated reduction in the structural deficit over the course of a Parliament, with the main burden of deficit reduction borne by reduced spending rather than increased taxes; arrangements that will protect those on low incomes from the effect of public sector pay constraint and other spending constraints; and protection of jobs by stopping Labour's proposed jobs tax. The parties agree that a plan for deficit reduction should be set out in an emergency budget within 50 days of the signing of any agreement; the parties note that the credibility of a plan on deficit reduction depends on its long-term deliverability, not just the depth of immediate cuts. New forecasts of growth and borrowing should be made by an independent Office for Budget Responsibility for this emergency budget. The parties agree that modest cuts of £6 billion to non-front line services can be made within the financial year 2010-11, subject to advice from the Treasury and the Bank of England on their feasibility and advisability. Some proportion of these savings can be used to support jobs, for example through the cancelling of some backdated demands for business rates. Other policies upon which we are agreed will further support job creation and green investment, such as work programmes for the unemployed and a green deal for energy efficiency investment. The parties agree that reductions can be made to the Child Trust Fund and tax credits for higher earners. The parties agree that a full Spending Review should be held, reporting this Autumn, following a fully consultative process involving all tiers of government and the private sector. The parties agree that funding for the NHS should increase in real terms in each year of the Parliament, while recognising the impact this decision would have on other departments. The target of spending 0.7% of GNI on overseas aid will also remain in place. We will fund a significant premium for disadvantaged pupils from outside the schools budget by reductions in spending elsewhere. The parties commit to holding a full Strategic Security and Defence Review alongside the Spending Review with strong involvement of the Treasury. The Government will be committed to the maintenance of Britain's nuclear deterrent, and have agreed that the renewal of Trident should be scrutinised to ensure value for money. Liberal Democrats will continue to make the case for alternatives. We will immediately play a strong role in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, and press for continued progress on multilateral disarmament. The parties commit to establishing an independent commission to review the long term affordability of public sector pensions, while protecting accrued rights. We will restore the earnings link for the basic state pension from April 2011 with a "triple guarantee" that pensions are raised by the higher of earnings, prices or 2.5%, as proposed by the Liberal Democrats. The parties agree that the personal allowance for income tax should be increased in order to help lower and middle income earners. We agree to announce in the first Budget a substantial increase in the personal allowance from April 2011, with the benefits focused on those with lower and middle incomes. This will be funded with the money that would have been used to pay for the increase in Employee National Insurance thresholds proposed by the Conservatives, as well as revenues from increases in Capital Gains Tax rates for non-business assets as described below. The increase in Employer National Insurance thresholds proposed by the Conservatives will go ahead in order to stop Labour's jobs tax. We also agree to a longer term policy objective of further increasing the personal allowance to £10,000, making further real terms steps each year towards this objective. We agree that this should take priority over other tax cuts, including cuts to Inheritance Tax. We also agree that provision will be made for Liberal Democrat MPs to abstain on budget resolutions to introduce transferable tax allowances for married couples without prejudice to this coalition agreement. The parties agree that a switch should be made to a per-plane, rather than per-passenger duty; a proportion of any increased revenues over time will be used to help fund increases in the personal allowance. We further agree to seek a detailed agreement on taxing non-business capital gains at rates similar or close to those applied to income, with generous exemptions for entrepreneurial business activities. The parties agree that tackling tax avoidance is essential for the new government, and that all efforts will be made to do so, including detailed development of Liberal Democrat proposals. The parties agree that reform to the banking system is essential to avoid a repeat of Labour's financial crisis, to promote a competitive economy, to sustain the recovery and to protect and sustain jobs. We agree that a banking levy will be introduced. We will seek a detailed agreement on implementation. We agree to bring forward detailed proposals for robust action to tackle unacceptable bonuses in the financial services sector; in developing these proposals, we will ensure they are effective in reducing risk. We agree to bring forward detailed proposals to foster diversity, promote mutuals and create a more competitive banking industry. We agree that ensuring the flow of credit to viable SMEs is essential for supporting growth and should be a core priority for a new government, and we will work together to develop effective proposals to do so. This will include consideration of both a major loan guarantee scheme and the use of net lending targets for the nationalised banks. The parties wish to reduce systemic risk in the banking system and will establish an independent commission to investigate the complex issue of separating retail and investment banking in a sustainable way; while recognising that this would take time to get right, the commission will be given an initial time frame of one year to report. The parties agree that the regulatory system needs reform to avoid a repeat of Labour's financial crisis. We agree to bring forward proposals to give the Bank of England control of macro-prudential regulation and oversight of micro-prudential regulation. The parties also agree to rule out joining the European Single Currency during the duration of this agreement. We have agreed that there should be an annual limit on the number of non-EU economic migrants admitted into the UK to live and work. We will consider jointly the mechanism for implementing the limit. We will end the detention of children for immigration purposes. The parties agree to the establishment of five year fixed-term parliaments. A Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government will put a binding motion before the House of Commons in the first days following this agreement stating that the next general election will be held on the first Thursday of May 2015. Following this motion, legislation will be brought forward to make provision for fixed term parliaments of five years. This legislation will also provide for dissolution if 55% or more of the House votes in favour. The parties will bring forward a Referendum Bill on electoral reform, which includes provision for the introduction of the Alternative Vote in the event of a positive result in the referendum, as well as for the creation of fewer and more equal sized constituencies. Both parties will whip their Parliamentary Parties in both Houses to support a simple majority referendum on the Alternative Vote, without prejudice to the positions parties will take during such a referendum. The parties will bring forward early legislation to introduce a power of recall, allowing voters to force a by-election where an MP was found to have engaged in serious wrongdoing and having had a petition calling for a by-election signed by 10% of his or her constituents. We agree to establish a committee to bring forward proposals for a wholly or mainly elected upper chamber on the basis of proportional representation. The committee will come forward with a draft motions by December 2010. It is likely that this bill will advocate single long terms of office. It is also likely there will be a grandfathering system for current Peers. In the interim, Lords appointments will be made with the objective of creating a second chamber reflective of the share of the vote secured by the political parties in the last general election. The parties will bring forward the proposals of the Wright Committee for reform to the House of Commons in full - starting with the proposed committee for management of programmed business and including government business within its scope by the third year of the Parliament. The parties agree to reduce electoral fraud by speeding up the implementation of individual voter registration. We have agreed to establish a commission to consider the 'West Lothian question'. The parties agree to the implementation of the Calman Commission proposals and the offer of a referendum on further Welsh devolution. The parties will tackle lobbying through introducing a statutory register of lobbyists. We also agree to pursue a detailed agreement on limiting donations and reforming party funding in order to remove big money from politics. The parties will promote the radical devolution of power and greater financial autonomy to local government and community groups. This will include a full review of local government finance. The parties agree to phase out the default retirement age and hold a review to set the date at which the state pension age starts to rise to 66, although it will not be sooner than 2016 for men and 2020 for women. We agree to end the rules requiring compulsory annuitisation at 75. We agree to implement the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman's recommendation to make fair and transparent payments to Equitable Life policy holders, through an independent payment scheme, for their relative loss as a consequence of regulatory failure. The parties agree to end all existing welfare to work programmes and to create a single welfare to work programme to help all unemployed people get back into work. We agree that Jobseeker's Allowance claimants facing the most significant barriers to work should be referred to the aforementioned newly created welfare to work programme immediately, not after 12 months as is currently the case. We agree that Jobseeker's Allowance claimants aged under 25 should be referred to the programme after a maximum of six months. The parties agree to realign contracts with welfare to work service providers to reflect more closely the results they achieve in getting people back into work. We agree that the funding mechanism used by government to finance welfare to work programmes should be reformed to reflect the fact that initial investment delivers later savings in lower benefit expenditure. We agree that receipt of benefits for those able to work should be conditional on the willingness to work. Schools We agree to promote the reform of schools in order to ensure: that new providers can enter the state school system in response to parental demand; that all schools have greater freedom over curriculum; and, that all schools are held properly accountable. Higher education We await Lord Browne's final report into higher education funding, and will judge its proposals against the need to: increase social mobility; take into account the impact on student debt; ensure a properly funded university sector; improve the quality of teaching; advance scholarship; and, attract a higher proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. If the response of the Government to Lord Browne's report is one that Liberal Democrats cannot accept, then arrangements will be made to enable Liberal Democrat MPs to abstain in any vote. We agree that the British Government will be a positive participant in the European Union, playing a strong and positive role with our partners, with the goal of ensuring that all the nations of Europe are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century: global competitiveness, global warming and global poverty. We agree that there should be no further transfer of sovereignty or powers over the course of the next Parliament. We will examine the balance of the EU's existing competences and will, in particular, work to limit the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom. We agree that we will amend the 1972 European Communities Act so that any proposed future Treaty that transferred areas of power, or competences, would be subject to a referendum on that Treaty - a 'referendum lock'. We will amend the 1972 European Communities Act so that the use of any passerelle would require primary legislation. We will examine the case for a United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill to make it clear that ultimate authority remains with Parliament. We agree that Britain will not join or prepare to join the Euro in this Parliament. We agree that we will strongly defend the UK's national interests in the forthcoming EU budget negotiations and that the EU budget should only focus on those areas where the EU can add value. We agree that we will press for the European Parliament only to have one seat, in Brussels. We agree that we will approach forthcoming legislation in the area of criminal justice on a case by case basis, with a view to maximising our country's security, protecting Britain's civil liberties and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system. Britain will not participate in the establishment of any European Public Prosecutor. The parties agree to implement a full programme of measures to reverse the substantial erosion of civil liberties under the Labour Government and roll back state intrusion. This will include: A Freedom or Great Repeal Bill. The scrapping of ID card scheme, the National Identity register, the next generation of biometric passports and the Contact Point Database. Outlawing the finger-printing of children at school without parental permission. The extension of the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to provide greater transparency. Adopting the protections of the Scottish model for the DNA database. The protection of historic freedoms through the defence of trial by jury. The restoration of rights to non-violent protest. The review of libel laws to protect freedom of speech. Safeguards against the misuse of anti-terrorism legislation. Further regulation of CCTV. Ending of storage of internet and email records without good reason. A new mechanism to prevent the proliferation of unnecessary new criminal offences. The parties agree to implement a full programme of measures to fulfil our joint ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy, including: The establishment of a smart grid and the roll-out of smart meters. The full establishment of feed-in tariff systems in electricity - as well as the maintenance of banded ROCs. Measures to promote a huge increase in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion. The creation of a green investment bank. The provision of home energy improvement paid for by the savings from lower energy bills. Retention of energy performance certificates while scrapping HIPs. Measures to encourage marine energy. The establishment of an emissions performance standard that will prevent coal-fired power stations being built unless they are equipped with sufficient CCS to meet the emissions performance standard. The establishment of a high-speed rail network. The cancellation of the third runway at Heathrow. The refusal of additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted. The replacement of the Air Passenger Duty with a per flight duty. The provision of a floor price for carbon, as well as efforts to persuade the EU to move towards full auctioning of ETS permits. Measures to make the import or possession of illegal timber a criminal offence. Measures to promote green spaces and wildlife corridors in order to halt the loss of habitats and restore biodiversity. Mandating a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Continuation of the present Government's proposals for public sector investment in CCS technology for four coal-fired power stations; and a specific commitment to reduce central government carbon emissions by 10 per cent within 12 months. We are agreed that we would seek to increase the target for energy from renewable sources, subject to the advice of the Climate Change Committee. Liberal Democrats have long opposed any new nuclear construction. Conservatives, by contrast, are committed to allowing the replacement of existing nuclear power stations provided they are subject to the normal planning process for major projects (under a new national planning statement) and provided also that they receive no public subsidy. We have agreed a process that will allow Liberal Democrats to maintain their opposition to nuclear power while permitting the government to bring forward the national planning statement for ratification by Parliament so that new nuclear construction becomes possible. This process will involve: the government completing the drafting of a national planning statement and putting it before Parliament; specific agreement that a Liberal Democrat spokesman will speak against the planning statement, but that Liberal Democrat MPs will abstain; and clarity that this will not be regarded as an issue of confidence. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 7, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats hold balance in hung parliament
    The 2010 General Election has resulted in the widely predicted balance parliament in which the Liberal Democrats now hole the balance in power, The hoped for dramatic surge in the Lib Dem vote did not materialise, but in spite of a 1% increase in the vote, the 6,827,938 (current number) people who voted Lib Dem were rewarded with only 57 MPs. However the Lib Dems were not the only party to be disappointed with the result. Cameron's Tories went into the election with around 40% of the opinion polls and with Labour's disastrous handling of the economy they were widely predicted to win a comfortable majority. But a lacklustre campaign and an equally lacklustre display by David Cameron (especially in his first televised leadership broadcast), resulted in a failure to achieve a working majority. Although perhaps not as bad as some thought, the Labour vote collapsed with the loss of over 90 seats including current and former ministers. Even the smaller parties failed to make the gains some predicted, Following the expenses' scandals it was thought that the minor parties would benefit. Both the Welsh and Scottish nationalists disappointed, and UKIP and the BNP failed to achieve the protest votes from the European elections. And the predicted surge in support for celebrity 'Independents' failed to materialise. Perhaps the electorate (either knowingly or unknowingly) decided the answer was to make all the parties work together for once, to work to solve the countries economic problems. Perhaps the electorate wants co-operation between the parties not conflict. Perhaps what the electorate wants is a balanced parliament, and a government which reflects all views. Perhaps what the country wants is a fair voting system where parties are represented by a similar proportion of MPs to the number of voters. Perhaps what the country wants is PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Hexham swings towards Liberal Democrats
    Declaration of result in Hexham For the second General Election in a row, Andrew Duffield achieved a gain well above the national party average. Following an 11% increase in 2005, the Liberal Democrats achieved a further 4% increase yesterday, to position the party in a clear second place to the Conservatives, with Labour trailing in a poor third place, with a loss of over 11%. There was an overall swing of 1.7% from Conservative to Liberal Democrat. The three fringe candidates all lost their deposits. This continues the trend in local council elections since 2005 with the Liberal Democrats increasing their vote and the Labour vote falling. The full result was: Conservative 18,795 (43.2%) +0.8 Liberal Democrat 13,007 (29.9%) +4.2 Labour Party 8,253 (19.0%) -11.4 Other candidates 3,428 (7.9%) +6.4 Majority 5,788 (13.3%) Turnout 43,483 (70.8%) +2.2 2005 Result Party Votes Share Conservative 42.4% Labour 30.4% Liberal Democrat 25.7% Others 1.5% The result also confirmed that only the Liberal Democrats can beat the Tories in Hexham. If just over half of the votes cast for Labour and the fringe candidates had gone to Andrew Duffield we would had had a REAL change in Hexham, with a REAL local MP at Westminster. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 3, 2010:
  • A chance to change our country for the better
    Andrew Duffield Elections that make a real difference don't happen very often - but this is one of them. On May 6th, you have a chance to change our country for the better. We've had 65 years of Labour and Tory ding-dong: the same two old parties taking turns and making the same mistakes, letting us down. They've taught us to expect little from politics and get less. It's time for something different. I'm angry that 65 years of red-blue government has left a child's life chances determined more by their parents' bank balance than by their own potential. I'm angry that banks have been left to ride roughshod over our economy, are still handing out bonuses by the bucket load and aren't lending to local firms. I'm angry that politics has been left to rich donors and corrupt MPs, whose warm words have done nothing to address climate change or global poverty. And I'm angry that the poor have been left behind, paying disproportionately more in tax, unable to afford a home and increasingly unable to find work. I believe things don't have to be this way. I believe we must fight for change. Above all, I believe we should rise above low politics and broken promises. We must set our sights on a fairer Britain - one that we can build together. The Lib Dems are different. On the big issues (the banks, the environment, the war in Iraq) we have been the only party that has called it right every time. Only the Liberal Democrats have the big ideas for fundamental change to make our country fair. Only the Liberal Democrats will shake up the system and put £700 back in the pockets of tens of millions of low and middle-income families, funded by ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share. Only the Liberal Democrats will break up the banks and get Britain building again, creating a sustainable economy that no longer threatens our planet's future. Only the Liberal Democrats will invest in our schools and give every child, no matter their background, a fair start in life. Only the Liberal Democrats will sort out our rotten political system for good. A strong Lib Dem vote here in Hexham will help end red-blue, blue-red politics nationally and will stop the Tories from taking our area for granted ever again. It means the beginning of real change that works for you. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Supporters redouble efforts for final stages of campaign
    Shirley Williams meets with Andrew Duffield and Liberal Democrat supporters in Hexham With the campaign now entering the last few days Liberal Democrats, throughout the Hexham constituency, have redoubled their efforts. The final stages of campaigning and canvassing have begun with the position of the Liberal Democrats in national polls still at an all time high. Baroness Shirley Williams recently visited Hexham and met with Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Duffield and supporters to encourage them to make final all-out effort. Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent yet another Tory in Hexham. A vote for Labour or one of the fringe candidates will let the Tories in again. Only the Liberal Democrats can make a REAL CHANGE in Hexham. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 30, 2010:
  • Baroness Williams meets Andrew Duffield in Hexham
    Andrew Duffield meets Baroness Williams in Hexham On her visit to the North-East today, former minister Baroness Shirley Williams, met with Andrew Duffield and Liberal Democrat supporters in Hexham. Commenting on the beauty of the Abbey and the blossom trees in the Sele, she also voiced her support for Andrew Duffield, and her delight at the progress the party was making within the region and across the country as a whole. Later in the evening Baroness Williams spoke at the Queen's Hall as part of the Hexham Book festival. Her visit followed the third and final TV leadership debate. The performance of Nick Clegg has helped to push the Liberal Democrats into second place in the polls, closely behind the Conservatives. Here in the Hexham constituency, with Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Duffield increasingly closing the gap on the new Tory outsider, combined with a collapse in support for Brown's failed Labour government, the prospect of Tories losing their only seat in the region to the Liberal Democrats is becoming a real prospect. Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent another Tory victory. A vote for Labour or one of the fringe candidates with let the Tories in again. Only the Liberal Democrats can make a REAL change in Hexham. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 27, 2010:
  • £15m per year for Northumberland's schools under Lib Dem plans
    Alan Beith and Andrew Duffield Liberal Democrats' proposals for education would result in an extra £15m for Northumberland's schools every year - tackling the underfunding which has been felt under years of Labour and Conservative governments. Liberal Democrat for the neighbouring Berwick Constituency, Sir Alan Beith said "The proposals we are putting forward start to deal with government underfunding of schools in Northumberland which has occurred because of the funding formula, which helps London authorities but harms areas like ours." "We have some excellent schools in our county but they could do so much more with additional funding. Giving our young people the best start in life is the most important thing we can do for their future. "Some of the schools here receive significantly less money than the national average because the Government gives a poor cash support to Northumberland Council to pay for our kids' education. "Under our plans, Northumberland schools would get a further £15m from the Government which they could use to cut class sizes and provide more individual support." Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 24, 2010:
  • Voters showing support for Andrew Duffield and Nick Clegg
    Andrew Duffield meeting supporters outside Hexham Abbey (with Lib Dem county councillor Derek Kennedy and campaigner Philip Latham) Visiting the main Tynedale towns of Hexham, Prudhoe and Haltwhistle today there was a clear surge in support for both Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Duffield and the party leader Nick Clegg. As well as support from those who have previously voted Lib Dem, residents who have traditionally supported Labour or the Tories were indicating that they would be voting Liberal Democrat on May 6th. With the Liberal Democrats now clearly ahead of Labour, many of their supporters see this as a golden opportunity to oust the Tories from this once safe seat by voting Liberal Democrat. However, support also came from angry Tory voters who are disappointed that the party are seeking to impose a candidate from outside the region. Andrew Duffield at Hexham Abbey Hustings with rival candidates The performance of Nick Clegg in the TV leadership interviews has made a big impact. Many formerly undecided voters were expressing support for the Liberal Democrats. There was also anger at the suggestion by David Cameron, during the interview with Jeremy Paxman last night, that the Tories would seek to make cuts in expenditure by slashing public sector jobs in the North-East of England. Several people who had attended the Hustings at Hexham Abbey on Thursday evening also approached Andrew to express support. During the debate Andrew answered a series of questions put to him, and the other main candidates, on issues ranging from the economy, education, health, nuclear weapons, local issues etc. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 21, 2010:
  • Lib Dem Council introduces 20mph at Hexham's accident blackspot
    Councillor Derek Kennedy and Andrew Duffield at the QE High School, Hexham - Photo by Andrew Hayward Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Duffield and Councillor Derek Kennedy have welcomed the introduction of 20mph outside the Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham. Calls were made to improve safety outside the school after a near fatal accident involving a student. Lib Dem run Northumberland County Council received a petition with hundreds of signatures from students and parents calling for improved safety measures. Around 80% of respondents, to a residents' consultation exercise, supported the need for slower speeds. Andrew Duffield said "The Lib Dems are very sensitive to the need for road safety around schools and I am pleased to see that High Schools in Hexham and Prudhoe now have 20mph zones." Councillor Derek Kennedy "As a Liberal Democrat authority Northumberland Council is looking to extend 20mph areas outside of other Schools and residential areas." In the Hexham Courant (9/4/10) the Conservative Mayor for Hexham responded with an outburst that "vehemently opposed the measures, calling them a "a total nonsense" and making it clear he regards the scheme as a waste of money." Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 14, 2010:
  • Fairness - The Liberal Democrat Manifesto Launch
    Nick Clegg has launched the Liberal Democrat General Election manifesto. The manifesto sets out four clear priorities of fair taxes, a fair chance for every child, a fair economy, and a fair deal by cleaning up politics. At the launch, Nick Clegg said: "Every manifesto needs to have an idea at its heart. The basic idea that animates this manifesto is something I have always believed. I believe every single person is extraordinary. "The tragedy is that we have a society where too many people never get to fulfil that extraordinary potential. "My view - the liberal view - is that government's job is to help them to do it. Not to tell people how to live their lives. But to make their choices possible, to release their potential, no matter who they are. "The way to do that is to take power away from those who hoard it. To challenge vested interests. To break down privilege. To clear out the bottlenecks in our society that block opportunity and block progress. And so give everyone a chance to live the life they want. "There's a simple word for those ideas, and it's a word this manifesto is built on: fairness." The Liberal Democrat manifesto outlines 4 steps to a fairer Britain: Fair taxes that put money back in your pocket The first £10,000 you earn tax-free: a tax cut of £700 for most people 3.6 million low earners and pensioners freed from income tax completely Paid for in full by closing loopholes that unfairly benefit the wealthy and polluters A fair future creating jobs by making Britain greener Break up the banks and get them lending again to protect real businesses Honesty about the tough choices needed to cut the deficit Green growth and jobs that last by investing in infrastructure A fair chance for every child Ensure children get the individual attention they need by cutting class sizes Made possible by investing £2.5 billion in schools targeted to help struggling pupils Give schools the freedom to make the right choices for their pupils A fair deal by cleaning up politics Put trust back into politics by giving you the right to sack corrupt MPs Restore and protect hard-won British civil liberties with a Freedom Bill Overhaul Westminster completely: fair votes, an elected House of Lords, all politicians to pay full British taxes You can download the Liberal Democrat manifesto at http://www.libdems.org.uk/our_manifesto.aspx along with summary documents and videos for each of the key areas, order a paper copy and find audio and easy read text versions. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 2, 2010:
  • LIB DEMS WELCOME LOCAL SUCCESS AGAINST PHONE MAST NEAR SCHOOL
    Northumberland Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall has welcomed O2's decision to cancel its plan to put up a new phone mast next to a school in Darras Hall after a meeting between local campaigners and the mobile phone provider which she had helped to arrange. Speaking after the meeting last Friday, Fiona said: "I am really pleased that this local campaign has been so successful and O2 has taken local concerns on board and is now actively looking for alternative sites outside the residential area of Darras Hall. This shows how much of a difference a well co-ordinated grassroots campaign can make, and I am very happy I was able to facilitate a meeting between the company and local campaigners. "I will now be taking forward a number of issues relating to planning guidance, which needs to be changed in order to make it easier to apply the precautionary principle when siting masts." Andrew Duffield, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Hexham, who had met with campaigners to prepare last week's meeting with O2, added: "This is a really great result for the residents of Darras Hall who have put on such a spirited campaign to make their concerns against the phone mast heard. O2 is right to revise its plans and look for alternative sites outside of Darras Hall." Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 28, 2010:
  • Who will be our next MP ?
    Popular local Lib Dem campaigner Andrew Duffield is just a few votes away from becoming our new local MP. Andrew is fighting to save our NHS and protect local jobs by cutting taxes for ordinary people. Labour and the Tories want to cut pay for front line staff and put taxes up! Labour has no County Councillors left in our area. Their support is disappearing fast. A vote for Labour here is a wasted vote. Our area was the southern-based Tory candidate's second choice for this election. More and more people are backing Andrew Duffield to beat the Tory incomer here. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 23, 2010:
  • Illuminating Hadrian's Wall
    Liberal Democrat councillor Derek Kennedy has been selected as a volunteer for the Illuminating Hadrian Wall project on 13 March 2010. Derek and a small group of volunteers tested the lighting on Monday 22nd Feb. Derek was interviewed by ITV local news and by the Times. Open this story and click the link below to watch the video coverage from Times on line. Related Links Times interview of Derek Kennedy Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 31, 2010:
  • Local campaign steps up a gear
    Caption for photograph: Andrew Duffield (left) joins Fiona Hall and Lib Dem supporters at the opening of their new election office in Corbridge. Andrew Duffield, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Hexham, has opened a new campaign office on Watling Street in Corbridge in readiness for the General Election. Cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony, Lib Dem MEP for the North East, Fiona Hall, said: "Andrew is making great strides in ensuring voters can access our message of fairness and change. Hexham is clearly a winnable prospect for the Liberal Democrats." Andrew Duffield said: "I am delighted with our new HQ. Constituents are welcome to visit, learn more about our policies over a coffee and perhaps even help us campaign for the real change we need - locally as well as nationally." The Lib Dem Election Office is now open on Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Andrew Duffield can be contacted at any time through the office number, 01434 632309, or via the local party website at www.hexhamlibdems.org.uk. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 29, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats open new campaign office
    Campaign Office, Watling Street, Corbridge With the General Election less than six months away, Tynedale's Liberal Democrats are gearing up for the battle ahead. The prospective Liberal Democrat candidate for Hexham Andrew Duffield, has opened a new campaign office on Watling Street in Corbridge in readiness for the battle. The Lib Dem Election Office is now open on Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Andrew Duffield can be contacted at any time through the office number, (01434) 632309, or via this website. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 8, 2009:
  • Lib Dems top Northumberland poll in Euro elections
    Following on from the Lib Dem triumph in the Northumberland Unitary elections in 2008, Liberal Democrats topped the polls in Thursday's European elections for votes cast within Northumberland. Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall was re-elected to the European Assembly as MEP for the North-East Region (including Northumberland). Within the Northumberland area the party secured a quarter of the votes (25%) - more than any other single party. The Labour vote had collapsed by almost 10%. A year on from the Unitary elections the vote confirms the Liberal Democrat's dominance within the county. With a General Election now less than a year away the party is in a strong position to increase is its parliamentary representation within Northumberland. Currently the party hold the Berwick-on-Tweed seat, but are expected to be strong challengers in the rest of the county including Hexham. With the collapse of the Labour party vote they are now the only serious challenge to the Conservatives. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 7, 2009:
  • Fiona Hall re-elected to European Parliament
    Fiona Hall Fiona Hall the Liberal Democrat MEP for the North East region has been successfully re-elected to the European Assembly. The Labour vote fell by nearly 10%. Congratulations to the Lib Dem team on a well deserved success. Published & promoted by Hexham Liberal Democrats, at 22 Station Close, Riding Mill, NE44 6HE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY