Press Statement on behalf of Rotherham & Barnsley Liberal Democrats (Rotherham & Barnsley Liberal Democrats)

Rotherham & Barnsley Liberal Democrats <info@rotherhamandbarnsleylibdems.org.uk>

Press Statement on behalf of Rotherham & Barnsley Liberal Democrats

September 17, 2010 12:24 PM

The Liberal Democrat party in Rotherham and Barnsley works together to progress Liberal Democrat policies and representation in both towns.

Since the General Election in May 2010 the local party has doubled its membership, set up a website and fought a by-election in a previously uncontested seat (Sitwell in Rotherham). Several new members have recently joined the party from Labour, others are Lib Dem voters who have been re-energised by seeing Lib Dem policies put into practice by the Coalition Government in Westminster.

The National Conference in Liverpool will put the Liberal Democrats in the public eye again. The local party is fully supportive of the party leadership and has great confidence in the structural safeguards within the national Liberal Democrat party that ensure grass-roots views are taken into account.

Cllr Sharron Brook had represented the party on Barnsley Council since 2003. It is public knowledge that she has not been a supporter of the Coalition Government and that she sent a "Focus" leaflet to her Dearne South constituents in May asking them what they wished her to do with regards to continuing to stand as a Liberal Democrat councillor. Cllr Brook told party members that almost all comments indicated that she should remain as a Liberal Democrat councillor for Dearne South.

This being the case and noting the long time delay, we are surprised that Cllr Brook should announce her leaving the party on the eve of the Liberal Democrat conference. Cllr Brook as actively criticised and fought the Labour Party in Barnsley for over 15 years. Only now when there is a a chance for Liberal Democrat policies to be put into action has she joined her erstwhile enemies.

The local party acknowledges the difficult job Cllr Brook did when standing as a lone voice in Barnsley Town Hall. Recently she has not been attending party meetings. We wish her and her family well but cannot condone her turning her back on Liberal Democrat voters in Dearne South.

Mohammed Ilyas

Chairman

Rotherham & Barnsley Liberal Democrats