Biggest ever Conference Delegation from Northampton

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 20th Sep 2003

Boosted by the dramatic by-election victory in Brent East this week Northampton Liberal Democrats are sending their largest ever delegation to attend the Lib Dem Conference which starts in Brighton this weekend.

Andrew Simpson with Northampton Liberal Democrat representatives at Brighton

Leading the delegation, Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said "Building on our success in the May local elections we have a number of new Councillors attending Conference for the first time. It's a sign of our growing strength that we now have more people wanting to attend than the number of voting representatives available".

Northampton gets 5 voting representatives who are elected by the local party, although any member is entitled to attend in a non-voting capacity. At least 8 members will be attending for the full week with others visiting throughout.

Key debates include: the election of a Head of State, GM Food, Council Tax, Zero Waste, Higher Education, Fluoridation of water, Affordable Housing and Safer Roads.

"It's going to be a packed week" said Andrew "As well as deciding key policy areas there is numerous fringe events and training sessions but I'm sure there also be a certain amount of celebration over the Brent Victory !"