The true test for Nick Clegg will come at the local elections next May

By Kevin Peel

Another day, another Liberal Democrat defection. As a result of the coalition agreement, hundreds of Lib-Dems have torn up their membership cards and joined the Labour Party. This is in large part due to Nick Clegg’s decision to help the Conservatives steer their ideologically-driven juggernaut through the heart of the public sector under the guise of reducing the deficit.

As the reality of the cuts start to bite, it is the turn of Clegg’s own councillors to jump ship. From Liverpool to Rotherham, Exeter to Hull, councillors across the country are abandoning the Liberal Democrats in protest. They are concerned that thousands of their constituents will lose their jobs and have their benefits and tax credits slashed as a result of the coalition’s cuts. None have put it better than the latest to defect, Solihull Councillor Simon Slater, who tells that Clegg has “betrayed every Lib Dem voter”.

Here in Manchester, the picture is somewhat different. One Liberal Democrat councillor has declared himself an independent as he could not endorse the cuts that his party seem to be so rabidly supporting. This was highlighted at a recent council meeting in which Lib Dem councillors gave a staunch defence of their government’s actions. To the dismay of many of their local supporters, Manchester Liberal Democracts have remained deafeningly silent about cuts to free swimming for children and the elderly, cuts in winter fuel payments for vulnerable pensioners and Tory plans to end lifelong tenancies in council housing.

Their lack of vision and pride in our city rang loud and clear as they attacked Manchester’s Labour administration for providing support for the “Manchester Day” parade, which not only celebrated the city’s unique creativity and diversity but which brought 75,000 people into the city and pumped a much needed £4 million into the local economy.

Next May will be the real test for Nick Clegg as the country takes to the polls in the local elections. For the first time we will ascertain whether he has taken his party’s supporters with him or if his vote has collapsed as most recent polls have suggested. But more importantly, it will be our first chance to present the Labour movement as the only truly progressive force in British politics.

Here in Manchester we will continue fighting hard to bring voters back from the Lib Dems. In the City Centre ward, the scene of this year’s Labour Party Conference, I am confident that we can and will beat the Lib Dems and return a Labour councillor in a strategically vital ward for the very first time. But to do that, we need your help!

During conference, join us as we raise vital funds to make Manchester City Centre a Liberal Democrat free-zone! On Monday 27th September, we will be at Bar 38 on Peter Street (next to the secure zone) from 7pm until late. Tickets are just £5. We will be joined throughout the evening by many special guests including Sally Bercow, Stephen Twigg MP and Michael Cashman MEP.

For more information and to reserve your place, email [email protected].