Past press releases

PRESS RELEASE: 16 September 2004

LIB DEM VOTE SURGE THREATENS BACON'S SEAT

The Lib Dem vote in the Easton by-election surged by more than 10% compared to the result in the 2003 district council election.

Mr Bacon was seen over the last few days helping to fill gaps in the Conservative campaign team, erecting posters and canvassing.

The 10% surge achieved by the Liberal Democrats would come close to overturning Mr Bacon's parliamentary majority, which needs no more than a 6% swing to elect a Lib Dem MP.

Commenting on the result, Dr Ian Mack, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for South Norfolk said,

"This is a good result for the Liberal Democrats and a solid base for our future General Election campaign. Our candidate Paul Blathwayt fought a dedicated hard campaign on positive issues, rather than negative campaigning."

"Richard Bacon will have to decide where his priorities lie over the next year. Are they to represent the people of South Norfolk by attending parliament or to try to save his political skin locally. The challenge to him from the Liberal Democrats is real and I predict a close result at the General Election."

"On issues such as Council Tax, the NHS and student tuition fees we have distinct policies and solutions, where the Conservatives have little to offer."

"Following their poor showing in the European election, the result for the Green Party was humiliating, while Labour confirmed that they are electorally irrelevant in South Norfolk by being unable to find a candidate for this election."

ENDS