MP’s praise for local Lib-Dems

FORMER Liberal Democrat President Simon Hughes MP was the guest speaker as Oldham party members celebrated their annual dinner.

Mr Hughes, who with 26 years in Parliament is one of the Liberal Democrat’s longest-serving MPs, spoke on a range of subjects, including the economy, the war in Afghanistan and the environment.

A regular visitor to Oldham, Mr Hughes said he was delighted to be back in the borough once again.

He congratulated Oldham’s Liberal Democrats for their success at parish, borough and European levels of politics, and expressed his confidence that with hard work, there would be success to come in the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency.

He also commented on the leading role Oldham Council had taken in fighting the recession and the national profile that it had brought for local Lib-Dems.

Organisers said the packed event, at the White Hart in Lydgate, was a huge success with people travelling from as far as Suffolk to attend.

Elwyn Watkins, Lib-Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “Simon is a fantastic guest and it was a privilege to have him join us for our annual dinner.

“He does an excellent job in Parliament and has been a good friend to Oldham Liberal Democrats over the years.

“He is also a great people person and he somehow found the energy to talk to pretty much everyone — we’re very lucky to have him in the party. Our annual dinner is always a great opportunity for our members and supporters to get together socially.

“Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated members it was a great success again this year.”