Lib Dem leader: Labour’s era over

Apr 2 2008 by David James, South Wales Echo

WELSH Liberal Democrat leader Mike German today launched his party’s assault on town and city halls across South Wales declaring: “Labour’s era is over.”

The Lib Dems stunned Welsh Labour in the local elections four years ago by seizing control of three of Wales’ biggest cities: Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham.

Despite not being the largest group, the party also took the reins in Bridgend at the head of a multi-party rainbow coalition.

Mr German launched the party’s national campaign in Newport today, saying it symbolised that the party was not content to rest with its triumph of four years ago.

He said: “Labour’s era of domination in local government in Wales is over.

“Since taking the lead in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend and Wrexham, we’ve shown we can provide a safer, greener, better value alternative.”

The party has yet to unveil its manifestos in Cardiff or Bridgend but today published a national manifesto called Safer, Greener, Better Value, which outlines the principles Welsh Liberal Democrats would follow.

It lists ambitions of fairer education, a better learning environment, fairer housing and fairer health and social care.

It boasts of the Lib Dem local authorities’ records on recycling, which it describes as “outstanding”, and promises to protect green spaces, tidy up communities and support greener developments.

There are also pledges on community regeneration, low council tax rises and safer communities, including putting pressure on the Assembly Government to roll out the 101 service across Wales.

Launching the manifesto, Cardiff Central AM Jenny Randerson said the party would challenge strongly in Newport.

Cardiff council leader Rodney Berman added: “Four years ago, people in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend and Wrexham sent a clear message – they wanted Labour out.

“This time, all across Wales, there is one clear message: ‘People don’t want Labour back.’”

Berman’s record: Page 14

david.james@mediawales.co.uk