Happy New Year from Rugby Liberal Democrats
2016 was another year that the Liberal Democrats stood up for local residents and championed liberalism in our local communities.
Locally
At the local Rugby Borough Council elections in May we gained a new Councillor, Carie-Anne Dumbleton in Rokeby and Overslade, Tim Douglas was elected and replaced Cllr Richard Dodd in Paddox Ward and Cllr Sue Roodhouse retained her seat in Eastlands. The Lib Dem Council group now has nine members.
The local party has also grown to over 100 members across Rugby and in November we hosted a dinner at Arnold House for Norman Lamb MP, the leading mental health campaigner. The local party holds regular meetings, socials and canvass sessions to share ideas, meet new people and campaign on issues that matter. These include:
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Opposing the Ashlawn Fields development which would add to congestion and pollution in Dunchurch.
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Post-Brexit member event to discuss the next steps in the UK's relationship with the EU and the wider world.
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Campaigning for the bandstand in Whitehall Recreation ground to be repaired or replaced.
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Successfully challenging the Council's decision to stop green bin collections for three months.
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Seeking more facts and information about the Local Plan.
Nationally
Across the UK the Liberal Democrats now have more than 79,000 membersand we gained a new MP, winning the Richmond Park by-election. We've gained 28 seats in council by-elections - more than all other parties put together, and the Lib Dems gained a total of 45 seats in the English local government elections in May.
Campaigning
There are still many challenges facing Rugby in 2017, such as the ongoing campaigns on green bins and funding for local services and adult social care. County Council elections will take place in May and Warwickshire Liberal Democrat's priorities are to protect our youngest and most vulnerable and no more cuts to Fire and Rescue Services.
Thank you to all our friends, family, members and supporters for all of your help throughout 2016. If anyone wants to contribute and make 2017 even better year then please don't hesitate to get in touch info@rugbylibdems.org.uk