http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk News items at Bristol South Liberal Democrats website, Bristol Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:53:28 +0100 en-us As was predicted by pundits, the General Election resulted in the first "Hung" or "Balanced" Parliament in a generation. Opinion polls during the campaign found that are large portion of the electorate was actually wanting this outcome, in order to force politicians to work together to solve the giant economic problems our country currently faces . The public were right to want that, in my opinion. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news070 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news070 The Lib Dems in Bristol South got their best ever results in both the General and Local elections on May 6th. Nationally, despite gaining 1% more share, and nearly 1 million more votes, the unfair electoral system actually gave us 6 less seats. While the is understandable a sense of disappointment that at national level we did not do as well as was hoped and expected, here in Bristol South, we slashed Dawn Primarolo's majority: http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news069 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news069 The Liberal Democrats have maintained their "surge" in the opinion polls after the second "Leaders' debate", which was held in Bristol's Arnolfini. Three of the five independent polls after the debate gave victory again to Nick Clegg, as he put on another fine performance. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news068 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news068 Early poll results from firm ComRes indicate the there has been a huge surge in support for the Lib Dems after Nick Clegg convincingly won the historic Leaders' TV debate on Thursday 15th April. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news067 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news067 Four former Labour ministers have just been caught on film offering to change laws for thousands in cash. The MPs - Stephen Byers, Patricia Hewitt, Geoff Hoon and Margaret Moran - were previously senior ministers in the Labour government. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news066 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news066 Lib Dem challenger for Bristol South has had an article on science in politics posted on science blog "The Science Vote", which carried thoughts on ideas on science and engineering policy towards the election. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news065 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news065 On a relatively unusual day in my life I'm going to be sleeping rough for charity, to raise the profile of homelessness in the city. After the usual day's work, at 9.30pm I head on down to a churchyard in the city centre. The weather is clear and cold, and I glance at the forecast, which isn't good: heavy rain at 3am. I'm a bit nervous. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news064 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news064 Campaigners in south Bristol have reacted angrily to the news that the flagship new "Learning and Skills Academy" has been hit by major Government cuts before it has even opened. Local MPs and senior city councillors were invited to a stakeholder meeting by City of Bristol College principle Keith Elliott, where he explained the huge impact the cuts would have. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news063 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news063 The Lib Dems running Bristol council are taking action against the large number of empty homes in the city. Housing supremo and Bristol South prospective MP, Cllr Mark Wright, has launched a drive that will use a "carrot and stick" approach to get landlords to bring empty homes back into use. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news062 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news062 The news that Kraft has changed its mind and will now continue with the plans to close the Somerdale Cadbury's factory in Keynsham will come as a huge blow to the hundreds of workers who temporarily had their hopes raised that their jobs might be saved. http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news061 http://www.bristolsouth-libdems.org.uk/index.php?ward=Bristol%20South&id=Bristol%20South/news/news061