Putting people first in elections
Last week I led the launch of the Scottish Liberal Democrats’national manifesto for the local elections.
It set out our main themes for the local elections – but always respected that council elections should be about local issues.
I asked my team to arrange for an unconventional launch, outside of Edinburgh.
They did very well and set me the task of launching our plans while astride a new ride-on lawnmower from SGM in Inverkeithing.
I said that we should bill it as“grassroots campaigning”.
The Sun reported it as declaring a“turf war”, which I think was pretty good.
I like taking the campaign on the road around the country. It’s an opportunity to visit local businesses and attractions, and have the opportunity to try out their best things.
For example, the Scouts at Fordell Firs let us use their climbing tower.
It’s a great way for them to show the excellent and adventurous activities they offer.
The same is true of Elie Watersports in Fife who have welcomed us before.
It gives them the chance to showcase the great work they do for tourism.
My message for the day was that Scottish Liberal Democrats councillors have a powerful track record of delivering for local communities across Scotland.
They are local champions. They work all year round, not just at election time.
Liberal Democrat councillors put their local area first, not another divisive independence referendum.
I am pleased that my party is contesting more wards than five years ago, and looking to win more seats.
Almost every Thursday since the EU referendum there have been council by-elections held across the UK.
The Liberal Democrats have been gaining seats at a record-breaking rate. No fewer than 30 gains. These have been everywhere from Cornwall to the Highlands, gaining from every party, including the SNP.
At a local level, Liberal Democrat plans will mean a transformational investment in nurseries and schools, a step change in mental health services and the scrapping of the unfair council tax.
The mental health point is very important.
The Scottish Government published their muchdelayed mental health plan in March.
It was a big disappointment and has been roundly criticised by campaigners and charities working in the field.
I hope that new councillors elected in May will put a priority on mental health.
They can do that in schools, to make sure young people get the help they need early.
They can do that inside the council itself to make sure its own employees are helped back into work.
And they can do it through their joint work with the NHS.
One in four people have a mental health problem at some point in their life. So it is a big issue.
When I got back from the manifesto launch I found my latest Focus newsletter from my local Liberal Democrat councillor.
And, happily for the theme of the day, he was working hard trying to tackle potholes in the local roads and other grassroots matters. Willie Rennie and the Lib Dems are focusing on grass roots issues