Ed Davey kickstarts election tour in Cheltenham: “It’s time for change”
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Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has kickstarted his election tour with a rally in Cheltenham, the marginal constituency of Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.
The Liberal Democrats are targeting constituencies across the West Country following stunning by-election victories in Tiverton and Honiton and Somerton and Frome, and taking control of Dorset Council and Somerset Council from the Conservatives in recent local elections.
Ed Davey has called the election “our chance to win the change our country desperately needs”, as he attacked the Conservative government’s record on the NHS, the cost of living crisis and sewage pollution.
The Liberal Democrats enter the general election on a winning streak, with four parliamentary by-election wins and finishing second place in this May’s local elections. The party is second place to the Conservative party in 80 seats across the country.
Ed Davey told a crowd of activists:
“For far too long, people across the UK have been let down and taken for granted by this out-of-touch Conservative Government. This election is our chance to win the change our country desperately needs.
“They have plunged the NHS into crisis, failing to deliver the new hospitals they promised and making people wait hours for an ambulance, weeks to see a GP or months for urgent cancer treatment.
“Families and pensioners are struggling with sky-high energy bills, food prices and housing costs – and the Conservatives have only added to the pain.
“And they are letting water companies get away with pumping filthy sewage into our rivers, lakes and onto our beaches.
“It’s time for a change. These Conservatives have got to go”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Text of Ed Davey’s speech:
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“For far too long, people across the UK have been let down and taken for granted by this out-of-touch Conservative Government.
“This election is our chance to win the change our country desperately needs.
“People are working hard, raising families, caring for loved ones and playing by the rules – but finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.
“Families and pensioners are struggling with sky-high energy bills, food prices and housing costs – and the Conservatives have only added to the pain.
“They have plunged the NHS into crisis, failing to deliver the new hospitals they promised and making people wait hours for an ambulance, weeks to see a GP or months for urgent cancer treatment.
“And they are letting water companies get away with pumping filthy sewage into our rivers, lakes and onto our beaches.
“It’s time for a change.
“These Conservatives have got to go. And in so many parts of the country, we have shown that it is the Liberal Democrats who can get them out.
“But this election is about more than a change of government.
“We must transform the very nature of British politics itself, so that we can…
“Fix the health and care crisis.
“Get our economy back on track.
“End the sewage scandal.
“And give people the fair deal they deserve.
“Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to elect a strong local champion who will fight for a fair deal for you and your community.
“A fair deal where everyone can afford a decent home somewhere safe and clean – with a comfortable retirement when the time comes.
“A fair deal where every child can go to a good school and have real opportunities to fulfil their potential.
“A fair deal where everyone can get the high-quality healthcare they need, when they need it and where they need it.
“That is the fair deal the Liberal Democrats are fighting for.
“So join us, and let’s make it happen!”
