Significant improvement for South Thanet Liberal Democrats

8.27.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th May 2005

South Thanet Liberal Democrats are pleased with the 3.8% increase in the share of the vote achieved in last Thursday's General Election. This represented a 47% increase in actual votes cast, when compared with 2001. This was achieved despite a high profile, but unsuccessful, UKIP campaign and the presence of a Green Party candidate. Both Labour and the Conservatives saw their actual vote and share of the vote fall.

"I would like to thank all the people in South Thanet who voted Liberal Democrat last Thursday", said candidate Guy Voizey. "We fought a positive campaign, focusing on issues which matter to local people such as the unfair Council Tax, free personal care for the elderly and the need for more police on our streets.

"I congratulate Steve Ladyman on his victory. He will be aware from the reduction in his majority how important it is that he, and the Labour Government, addresses the concerns of Liberal Democrat voters. In particular, we await with interest the Government's proposals for local government finance."

South Thanet Liberal Democrats are planning to build on this improvement. "We were even more successful in the County Elections, where we won about 18% of the vote. This gives us a great platform on which to build our campaign for the next round of district council elections in two years time", said Guy Voizey.