Welcome to the East Lothian Liberal Democrats

New Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg met with local challenger Amy Rodger and backed her to win East Lothian

Welcome to the East Lothian Liberal Democrats. I think that East Lothian is one of the most beautiful and diverse constituencies in the country and it is an honour to serve it as your Liberal Democrat candidate.

The Liberal Democrats have enjoyed record success in East Lothian over recent years. Last May, six hard working Lib Dem councillors were elected and now form part of the Council administartion, delivering real change across East Lothian after years of Labour neglect. We are the only party that can challenge Labour at the next General Election and I have been working hard to ensure East Lothian is no longer taken for granted.

All the signs are that the race here in East Lothian at the next UK General Election is going to be even closer. The Liberal Democrats now have an energetic new leader in Nick Clegg, who is determined to see the Liberal Democrats win more votes and more seats at the next election. Many voters I speak to tell me it is time for change in the county and with your support, East Lothian is a place where the Liberal Democrats can win!

So if you have a question, an idea or want to get involved with the Liberal Democrats locally, please get in touch via the contacts page. In the meantime, I hope you find the information here useful and interesting.

Amy Rodger, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for East Lothian

Rodger criticises part-time post office plan New! Tue 19th Aug 2008 Amy Rodger, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for East Lothian, has criticised proposals to close two post offices and make five others part-time branches, drastically reducing their operating hours. The proposals are announced as Amy steps up her campaign to save this vital local service from further cuts under the Labour government.

Read "Rodger criticises part-time post office plan" in full.

Rodger pays tribute to "dedicated and principled" Stephen Thu 3rd Jul 2008 Amy Rodger has paid tribute to Nicol Stephen MSP who last night stood down as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in order to spend more time with his young family. Nicol Stephen has served as leader over 3 impressive years, in which he has served as Deputy First Minister and has been the most effective opponent to Alex Salmond and the SNP.

Read "Rodger pays tribute to "dedicated and principled" Stephen" in full.

A personal statement from Nicol Stephen MSP Wed 2nd Jul 2008 "Last week I informed the Convener of the Scottish Liberal Democrats that I intended to stand down as Party Leader.
Read "A personal statement from Nicol Stephen MSP" in full.

East Lothian has not benefited from Brown's first year as Prime Minister Fri 27th Jun 2008 East Lothian has not benefited from Gordon Brown's leadership, claim local Liberal Democrats in a message to residents a year after the Prime Minister was ushered into Downing Street.
Read "East Lothian has not benefited from Brown's first year as Prime Minister" in full.

Rodger hits out at 'pathetic' Labour excuse-merchants Wed 25th Jun 2008 Amy Rodger, the Liberal Democrats' prospective Westminster candidate for East Lothian, has hit out at the 'pathetic' excuses trotted out by some Labour councillors over the high levels of their expenses claims.
Read "Rodger hits out at 'pathetic' Labour excuse-merchants" in full.

Lib Dems launch online petition against drinking age plans Wed 25th Jun 2008 Ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament about alcohol misuse, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Ross Finnie MSP has launched an online petition against the Scottish Government's proposal to raise the drinking age for off-sales to 21.
Read "Lib Dems launch online petition against drinking age plans" in full.

Lyon criticises SNP's "poverty of ambition" over Europe Mon 16th Jun 2008 George Lyon, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the EU, has dismissed the SNP's claims that Europe is 'right at the very heart' of the Scottish Government's international ambitions for Scotland.
Read "Lyon criticises SNP's "poverty of ambition" over Europe" in full.

Liberal Democrats call for answers over "excessive" expenses Thu 12th Jun 2008 Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Amy Rodger is today demanding an explanation from the Labour members of East Lothian council over expense claims she has characterized as "excessive to the point of being unjustifiable."
Read "Liberal Democrats call for answers over "excessive" expenses" in full.

Hume marks environment day by campaigning against excess packaging Wed 4th Jun 2008 Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Jim Hume MSP is marking World Environment Day by urging action to tackle excess packaging. Mr Hume has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament, which will be debated next week, calling on the Scottish Government to use the devolved powers available to them to improve recycling and waste minimisation rates.

Read "Hume marks environment day by campaigning against excess packaging" in full.

"There is insurrection in the air" - Nick Clegg in the Telegraph Thu 29th May 2008 The fuel protests hammer home a clear message. After the 10p tax rebellion, the local elections, and the Crewe by-election, no one can doubt the mood of the country any more. There is insurrection in the air. The British people are ready for change and they don't believe Labour can deliver it.
Read ""There is insurrection in the air" - Nick Clegg in the Telegraph" in full.

Archive of earlier news stories.