General Election sees solid increase in Lib Dem vote

June 2005

The General Election by common consent was a good one for the Lib Dems as it saw us increase both our vote and MPs. And my thanks go to the people of Portsmouth South for re-electing me – it is a great honour to serve them as their MP.

Throughout Britain, people responded to our campaign under the banner of “Fairness, honesty and trust” of better pensions, scrapping tuition fees, a fairer way of paying for local councils and better schools and hospitals.

Just a few years ago, Hampshire was solid Tory blue. But the Lib Dems not only held our four seats in the county but also made solid increases in our vote in seats like Portsmouth North and Hampshire East.

With no seats in major cities outside London, the Conservatives failed to break out of their heartlands. They continued to be the “nasty party” – both here in Portsmouth and nationally. One policy shows how they haven’t changed - they want to take £1.2 billion out of the NHS. They would give this money to those that can afford private health care and can stump up, even with this subsidy, £5,600 for example for a hip operation.

The election also saw the retirement of Syd Rapson as MP for Portsmouth North. He was always someone I could talk to and work with and he did his best for his constituents. It is actually the fourth time I have said goodbye to him from a public body after bidding him farewell twice from the City Council and also from the County Council. But I have a sneaking suspicion that he will be back in some role!

One of the most courageous things I have seen recently was my Lib Dem colleague Patsy Calton who had been suffering from cancer taking her oath as the MP for Cheadle in a wheelchair and died three days later. How sad it was that she had been sent offensive items in the post during her election campaign as she fought her disease. Let’s hope we all in politics can show in future more of the dignity that Patsy showed. What a woman!