Hillingdon Liberal Democrats welcome Nick Clegg

1.28.00pm GMT Tue 1st Jan 2008

New Lib Dem Nick Clegg campaigning earlier this year in Southall, where the Tories were pushed into third place.

Liberal Democrats in Hillingdon have welcomed the election of Nick Clegg as the new Leader of the Party.

Councillor Mike Cox said, "Nick Clegg will be a great Leader of the Liberal Democrats and and I look forward to working with him soon.

"Unlike the Labour Party, who gave Gordon Brown a coronation and are already regretting it, we have had a vibrant contest, with the leadership contenders travelling all round the country, setting out their ideas and listening to the views and suggestions of party members. We showed once again how we are the most open, democratic party in British politics.

"This is an exciting time to be a Liberal Democrat. Gordon Brown's Government is blundering from one disaster to another. But the Conservatives' policy-lite PR agenda has failed to catch people's imagination. People are ready to hear what the Liberal Democrats have to offer.

"We have already planned our first newsletters featuring our new Leader. They will be going to residents in the New Year. And over the next few months, I will be taking a team of colleagues to call on local people and encourage them to support the party.

"The election of Nick Clegg has put wind in our sails and under his leadership, we are moving forward in Hillingdon."