19.04.13
Tories and Greens launch local election campaigns
Prime minister David Cameron is launching the Conservatives’ local election campaign today.
Elections are being held for 27 county councils and seven unitaries in England, plus with Anglesey in Wales, on Thursday 2 May.
There are 2,449 seats being contented, last fought in 2009 – a bad year for Labour. This year is expected to be much tougher for the Conservatives, with Labour ahead in the polls and UKIP having seen a big increase in support and a number of good results in local by-elections. The party is fielding a record number of candidates.
Although Lib Dem poll numbers are way down nationally, they have had a string of impressive council by-election results recently too.
The Greens are also launching their campaign, in Oxford.
Pre-released notes from Cameron’s speech say he will tell party members: “We're fighting for our councils but it's about more than that. We're rebuilding our country. Backing hard-working people. Making this a country where if you work hard and do the right thing, you will get on.”
He will say that Conservative-controlled town halls run better services and will campaign on the Government’s council tax freeze policy.
Ed Miliband, who has already launched Labour’s campaign, said he would “stand up for those without power”, while Nick Clegg said the Lib Dems were delivering services fairly despite tough times.
(Image: secretlondon123)
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