Local Lib Dems welcome Nick Clegg's election as leader

3.07.00pm GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

Both the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Martin Lury and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Chichester District Council Andrew Smith have welcomed Nick Clegg's election as Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Both had supported Nick Clegg during the leadership campaign.

Martin Lury said "In Nick Clegg, we have a remarkable communicator and a man who could finally make our long awaited breakthrough to arrest the pernicious duopoly in British politics. I believe that Nick has that well known Heineken factor in that he will reach out to sections of the public that hitherto we have failed to engage. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidature and entreat members to seize this unique opportunity to elect a leader whose impact, I believe, would be greater than even Charles Kennedy or Paddy Ashdown. I was delighted to sign his nomination papers and urge members to unite behind Nick to take this Party further than ever before, to the betterment of British politics in general".

Andrew Smith said "I'm backing Nick because he articulates liberal values relevant for the 21st century. He offers a sharp analysis of today's issues and radical policies without resorting to gimmicks".