August 5th is rapidly becoming known as International Beer Day, a celebration hoping to spread the word about this quaint and little-known British traditional beverage! In need of more support, perhaps, are the nation’s by-election watchers; we have a paltry one principal council contest to report on and nothing at all out in the towns.
The single election that took place was for the Sitwell ward on Rotherham M.B.C., with the Conservatives defending after the death of the previous councillor. The Tories were successful in their defence, squeezing a four percent increase out of voters at the polls.
With no other by-elections to report, a quick word on ALDC’s training schedule at autumn Conference. ALDC will be delivering twenty-eight training sessions in all, all taking place at the Jury’s Inn hotel in Liverpool. A full training schedule can be found as part of the ‘Liverpool Highlights’ story at: https://www.aldc.org/myaldc/news/1798/05/08/2010/Liverpool_Highlights. Please note that this training is free of charge for all delegates, but attendees will be asked to present their Liberal Democrat membership cards on arrival.
Another slow day for local democracy next time, August 12th has only two scheduled by-elections. The Labour party will be defending the River ward of Medway Unitary Authority in the only principal council contest. The second contest is for the Ham ward of Westbury Town Council – and our congratulations to Liberal Democrat David Jenkins, who has already managed to gain the seat from an Independent by running unopposed! With this bird in the hand, we’re already off to a flying start! The best of luck to all our campaign teams (including those who’ve already won). ALDC By-Elections Team