East Lothian Liberal Democrats set sight on electoral success

11.00.00am GMT Mon 28th Jan 2008

The East Lothian Liberal Democrats have signalled their intention to make a strong challenge for the Labour held East Lothian seat at the next general election. Parliamentary candidate Amy Rodger hosted the official opening of their new Haddington headquarters on Saturday, which was attended by Scottish Party leader Nicol Stephen, South of Scotland MSP Jim Hume and dozens more interested in the Lib Dem vision for East Lothian.

The opening of a new office is just one in a series of steps the local party is taking to step up its campaigning capacity in preparation for a possible May 2009 election. They have recently employed the services of a campaign manager who will work with the Lib Dem council group as well as Ms Rodger in crafting and co-ordinating their message.

Ms Rodger said at the opening, "East Lothian has been neglected for too long by our Labour MP and many people I have spoken to have told me that they feel it is time for a change. That process began last May with the election of a new Council administration in which the Liberal Democrat group are a powerful voice."

She continued, "I intend to work hard on the issues that matter to East Lothian and I am pleased we now have a base for people to come and voice their opinions. Anyone, of any political persuasion, who is interested in the future of East Lothian should feel free to pop in."

Nicol Stephen added, "Amy is a vibrant and enthusiastic person with a great deal of energy and those are the qualities I believe East Lothian needs. The current incumbent has lost touch with real people and real issues. Amy won't take East Lothian for granted and I'm sure she will take East Lothian from strength to strength."