Buckingham Liberal Democrats chairman joins "Liberal Voice" debate

6.41.49pm GMT Tue 29th Dec 2009

Ian Metherell, Chairman of Buckingham Liberal Democrats posted this in response to the article below on 29th December 2009 at 3:40 pm |

Political parties are parties because their members agree that the discipline of membership brings more advantage than being an independent - whatever our private views may be on a particular issue such as this one. The Executive of Buckingham Liberal Democrats has accepted the advice of Cowley Street that it is in the party's interests not to oppose the Speaker in Buckingham in the next General Election. This was raised as an issue at our Autumn Federal Conference.

We want the system changed so that in future the Speaker will be deemed on election by fellow MPs to represent " St Stephens" and a by-election would be held in his/her original constituency; restoring full democratic rights to the electors of that constituency.

This has nothing to do with John Bercow personally, or his wife, or Buckingham specifically. We just happen to be the unfortunates this time round. It's changing the protocol that needs to be done for every election after this next one; given that we don't expect the House to change things in time for this General Election.

The interesting point will be whether/how Buckingham Liberal Democrats vote individually……….hopefully not for UKIP or a right wing "independent"!

Ian Metherell

Chairman

Buckingham Liberal Democrats