Petition over cuts to library services

SIR VINCE Cable hailed the Liberal Democrats as the “secret phenomenon in British politics” as he launched the party’s local elections campaign.

The party’s leader put housing and education at the heart of his pitch ahead of next month’s polls.

The Lib Dems have consistently polled in single figures since the turn of the year.

Under former leader Sir Nick Clegg the party polled 13 per cent in the 2014 elections, and there has been speculation that Lib Dem-controlled Sutton council could now be vulnerable. But launching his party’s campaign in Watford, Sir Vince is expected to say: “There is a secret phenomenon in British politics.

“It is occurring in by-elections all over the country, week in, week out, to local authorities from Sunderland to Somerset.

“Against the Tories. Against Labour. In Leave areas. In Remain areas. Since the general election in 2017, the Liberal Democrats are up 15 seats, double Labour’s increase of seven, while the Conservatives are tanking – they have lost 18 seats.

“These real votes in real ballot boxes show Liberal Democrat support at double our national opinion poll rating.

“What we’re showing is that where Liberal Democrats come out fighting, Liberal Democrats can win.”

The former business secretary highlighted schools funding as the biggest issue on the doorsteps in his Richmond constituency.

He will say the issue highlights the difference between the coalition and “the hard-right Conservative Governments which have followed”.

York-born Sir Vince said May’s elections “are a chance for parents and teachers to send a signal to the Government on schools”.

Labour’s High Peak MP Ruth George has launched a petition over proposed cuts to the county’s library service, fearing the changes will hit people on low incomes the hardest.

Derbyshire County Council has revealed plans to hand over the running of 20 of its libraries to volunteers, as well as reviewing their opening times and staffing hours, to save £1.6m. THE STRATEGIC body tasked with coming up with a long-term vision for northern transport will take up its statutory powers today when it holds its first board meeting.

Transport for the North, a partnership of 19 local authorities, business leaders and 11 local enterprise partnership areas, is the country’s first sub-national transport body with legal powers and duties. Ahead of its first board meeting in Liverpool today, TfN’s independent chairman John Cridland said its new status was a result of two years of partnership and collaboration.

Writing in he said: “For the first time, the North is ready to speak in unison, with a determined voice when engaging with government.

“We all agree that transport will be fundamental to the region’s economic prosperity, helping bridge the economic divide and reverse decades of under-investment.”