Simon McDougall

Now the County Council elections are behind us my next big milestone is the General Election. I was the  candidate in the 2005 election in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and was successfully re-selected in December 2006 as the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the next General Election. As well as carrying out my duties as a local councillor I will now be knocking on doors regularly throughout the constituency as well as challenging the 2 established parties on a range of issues.

Unlike the other main parties the Liberal Democrats were visible at the door canvassing and leafleting regularly. The anger out there over MPs expenses was very evident. I would say at an educated guess that 1in3 doors I knocked wanted to raise the issue with me. I was able to defend my own position as a local councillor on the basis that whilst I claim my basic and responsibility allowances I have not for some years claimed for petrol expenses or running costs towards my car. That message went down well with local electors who realised I was in politics to serve the community.

Whilst I aspire to be elected to Westminster I have no intention of joining the gravy train that currently exists. In my view they have got away with it for too long and in many cases especially on claiming for mortgages that do not exist I believe they should be prosecuted for fraud. Our own MP Nick Gibb has this week published his expenses in the Bognor Regis Observer. It will be interesting to see what reaction there is in next weeks letter page.

The Liberal Democrats have taken a strong robust stance on this pushing for the whole system to be shaken up from top to bottom. Nick Clegg has published a timetable for change which could be achieved within 100 days and has a launched a national campaign on this issue. Further details can be found at . Why not take a look and join our campaign for a renewed political system.

www.takebackpower.org

As many of you will know I was successfully re-elected to West Sussex County Council on June 4th. I would like to thank all of you who voted for me and help me increase my majority within the County Division. The election for the Liberal Democrats was a watershed in so-far that we gained seats 5 in total across the County against a national tide that see the Conservatives do well across the country. The biggest win for us locally was the outstanding win for Paul Wells who took the Conservative safe seat of Bognor Regis West and Aldwick.

 Clearly our message on ASDA, Chalcraf Lane and Regeneration was well received by local residents.