'Green Policies Top the List' as Northampton Lib Dems head for Brighton

8.05.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th Sep 2006

Andrew Simpson speaking at the Dem Conference in Bournemouth in 2004

The largest ever delegation of Lib Dem members from Northampton will be heading south this weekend to attend their party's annual conference which starts in Brighton on Sunday.

Leading the group, Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said "Building on our success in Northampton over the recent years we have a record number of members and councillors attending Conference for the first time. It's a sign of our growing strength in the town".

Among the delegates will be Cllr Roger Conroy attending his first conference as a Lib Dem Councillor after winning the sensational Spencer Ward by-election in February this year.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting other Lib Dems around the country" said Roger. "It's been a baptism of fire being elected to Northampton Borough Council back in February and I am keen to hear ideas from around the Country that we can use to get our own Council working for the people of Northampton".

Another first time delegate is Lib Dem Youth & Student member Portia Wilson.

"People might think a party conference is all about boring debates" said Portia "But the week is packed with fringe meetings and training for members - I don't know how I will fit it all in. As a nurse I am particularly keen to attend the question and answer session on health".

An environmental theme is running through the whole Conference with Lib Dem Leader Ming Campbell launching the 'Green Tax Switch' Environmental Campaign on Sunday. There are other policy debates on Clean & Ethical investment, Environmental Tax, Climate Change and Water Management.

Other key debates include: Children & Families, Rape Convictions, English Local Government reform and foreign affairs.

"It's going to be a packed week" said Andrew "It is refreshing that whilst both Labour and the Conservatives try and copy each other and concentrate on sound bites the Lib Dems are creating a clear and radical programme to tackle our country's problems."

Among the Northampton Conference Delegation are:

Cllr Andrew Simpson - Parliamentary Spokesperson, Northampton North

Cllr Richard Church - Leader, Northamptonshire County Council Liberal Democrat Group

Cllr Tony Woods - Leader, Northampton Borough Council Group

Cllr Brian Hoare - Abington Ward Councillor

Cllr Roger Conroy - Spencer Ward Councillor

Cllr Trini Crake - Boughton Green ward Councillor

Cllr Jane Hollis - St David ward Councillor

Cllr Brendan Glynane - Delapre ward Councillor

Cllr Jill Hope - West Hunsbury Ward Councillor

Portia Wilson - Northampton Lib Dem Youth & Students

Fern Conroy - Northampton Lib Dem Youth & Students

In addition to other members

Contacts during conference week:

Andrew Simpson Mobile: 07973 560432

Richard Church Mobile: 07780 524792

Tony Woods Mobile: 07768 216520

Roger Conroy Mobile: 07905 385289

Trini Crake Mobile: 07879 888972

Jane Hollis Mobile: 07950 183431

Brendan Glynane Mobile: 07961 533083

Portia Wilson Mobile: c/o 07973 560432