Labour’s candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Mick Lerry, has promised to work co-operatively with council leaders in both parts of the constituency – unlike the “dishonourable” Tory MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger.
Mick said:“Through his destructive and divisive actions, Ian Liddell Grainger has breached trust in the working relationship with the council democratically elected by the people of West Somerset. As the Labour leader on Sedgemoor District Council, I have worked with Cllr Tim Taylor and other councillors from West Somerset, to campaign for community benefit for the hosting of Hinkley C.
“At a meeting with representatives from the Select Committee for Energy and Climate Change, we argued the case for community benefit during the construction stage of the new power station and convinced the MPs on the committee to adopt the case we made.
I did not argue an alternative view or try to discredit councillors from West Somerset. In a democracy you have to accept working with councils of a different political persuasion, in order to reach a successful outcome.
“Over a number of years, Liddell-Grainger has taken a different view to West Somerset Council and he has shown his public dislike of the political decisions that it has taken; even regarding the administration merger with Taunton Deane, which was an action taken to make sure that services could be provided for the people of West Somerset.
“If I am elected as MP on May 7th, I can give an assurance to the constituents of West Somerset that I will work with their elected council to achieve the best outcome for the people of West Somerset. It will be about working together and winning together.”
I live in Taunton Deane, but it is a welcome approach for politicians at different levels and from different parties working together to protect local interests. Just what we need throughout Somerset.