Lib Dems rally in Stratford

Now established as the leading challengers to the current Conservative MP, the Lib Dems got behind parliamentary candidate Manuela Perteghella, who told the audience she was already campaigning hard in the Stratford constituency. ”With a general election likely to be held anytime soon, local residents may be sure that I will do my utmost for them,” she said.

New council leader Susan Juned opened the event at the Girls Grammar School in Shottery by explaining the problems she and fellow councillors had come up against on taking over the Council, before describing the Lib Dems’ achievements since May. Keynote speaker Kate Lee, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, highlighted the growing dementia crisis in Stratford District, where about 2,500 people now suffer from the disease. She spoke passionately about how older communities are facing what has become the biggest health and social challenge of our time.

Roger Mendonca, CEO of Midlands Engine, talked about bringing more prosperity to the region by getting companies and organisations working together to exploit such exciting new fields as quantum technologies.

Former Lib Dem MP for Solihull, Baroness Lorely Burt, underlined the importance of a strong second chamber playing a crucial role in examining new laws.

In the afternoon, the realities of becoming an MP were explored by Helen Morgan MP, who has represented Shropshire North for the Lib Dems since a by-election December 2021. She left the audience in no doubt about the challenges facing the country as the next general election draws closer.