Thanks to all our helpers in the County and General elections
Dear Supporter,
Ten days after the General Election our thoughts are with the tragedy in Kensington. In the most affluent area of Britain, it poses big questions about how less advantaged people are heard, and how we build our open, tolerant and united Britain.
Many thanks to everyone who helped our County and General Elections. Here in West Kent we managed to raise our vote share in Sevenoaks and Gravesham, and hold it in Dartford. We also managed to help target seats win in Eastbourne, Kingston, Twickenham and Carshalton with leaflets, canvassing and phone calls. It made a difference. I'm glad to see Steven Lloyd, Vince Cable, Jo Swinson and Ed Davey back in Parliament - and to see new MPs from Bath, Oxford, Edinburgh and Caithness.
Theresa May seems determined not talk to other parties as Vince Cable has urged her to. But after losing her mandate it can't be 'business as usual'. I hope Tim Farron's decision to step down doesn't distract our national party - because we have work to do here!
On Friday we called a by-election in the vacant Sevenoaks District Council seat of Penshurst, Chiddingstone and Fordcombe. Richard Streatfield has a strong local campaigning record, came close in 2015, and can win. The election will be held at the end of July, in a land of village pubs, tearooms, castles and amazing countryside. Just the place to spend the summer! Please come and help; contact me or richard@hoathhouse.com to sign up.
We had already planned a fund raising barbecue at Hoath House, Chiddingstone on the evening of 6th July, from 6pm and this will go ahead. £15 a head for two courses and drinks - please contact Pam Walshe at pamwalshe@supanet.com or Margaret Robarts at margaret.robarts@talktalk.net or on 01959 522853 to book your place.
Individual constituencies are holding post election thank you events. Because we had one in Sevenoaks after the County poll in May, and to because of our by-election the Sevenoaks party will be on August 27 or September 3rd. We will keep you posted.
Thanks once again.
Tony Clayton
Chair, Sevenoaks Dartford & Gravesham Liberal Democrats
01732 45 1087
action@sevenoakslibdems.org.uk
Richard Streatfeild