"LIB DEMS ON THE UP"

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Nov 2004

On Saturday 20th November, Don Foster, MP for Bath and the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport addressed local Liberal Democrats.

The MP, who famously defeated Chris Patten in Bath at the 1992 General Election, spoke at the Party's Annual Constituency Dinner at the Frank Hutchins Hall in Thatcham.

Introduced by local MP, David Rendel, Mr Foster told Party members and activists that, although the General Election result would be close, the Liberal Democrats' strong position in the national polls and their recent by-election successes (both local and national) pointed to a real opportunity for the Party to increase its support in Newbury.

He said he is glad that the Conservative leader Michael Howard is visiting Newbury this week because it will remind voters that local Conservatives are led by a former member of the Thatcher Government who was responsible for introducing the Poll Tax and reducing police numbers.

David Rendel MP said:

"I was delighted to welcome my Parliamentary colleague, Don Foster, to our Annual Dinner. His speech inspired us all."