Good coverage in today’s newspapers of Kirsty Williams’ trip to Westminster yesterday to discuss manifesto priorities with Nick Clegg.
The Western Mail reports that the Liberal Democrats Federal Leader believes that it would be “arrogant” for the Liberal Democrats to assume the party could take UK Cabinet seats in a post-election coalition government:
Mr Clegg told the Western Mail: “We’re talking about what our values are, what our policies are, putting our view to the British people rather than speculating about what might happen after an election.
“It would be presumptuous, arrogant to start second-guessing which cards will be dealt by the British people before they vote.”
“Our crystal balls aren’t any clearer than anyone else’s. But my view is the sooner a General Election is held the better. The sooner the country has the opportunity to put the New Labour years of mismanagement behind it, the better.”
Mr. Clegg went on to praise the newly elected Welsh Party Leader:
“I’m terrifically excited about the energy and sense of purpose Kirsty brings to the job.”
Ms Williams said: “If Gordon Brown is thinking of calling a spring election, then the Welsh Liberal Democrats will be ready. Our key candidates are in place, and in places where we have established ourselves as the clear rivals to Labour, we are pushing hard.”
The Liberal Democrats say they are confident of retaining their four Welsh seats, although they face a tough challenge from Plaid Cymru in Ceredigion, where the Lib Dem majority is just 219.
They are targeting Labour-held seats, Swansea West, Newport East and Wrexham.
The Daily Post say that the Liberal Democrats urged Gordon Brown to call a spring General Election last night, insisting they were ready to fight on the doorsteps of Wales:
Ms Williams said: “We are setting out the process between us of jointly working on manifestos on the key issues that we would be taking to the Welsh public.
“We have got a clear idea in our own minds what they will be and we will be concentrating on issues that will have a resonance with the people of Wales.
“It will be about how we can make it easier for families to survive the difficult economic circumstances they are facing at the moment, it will be about transforming the way politics works for people.
“The details around those key areas will emerge during the election campaign. ”
They say that key policy proposals will be discussed at the party’s spring conference in Harrogate, including Mr Clegg’s intention to increase leave for new parents. Mr. Clegg said that these proposals would be phased in and would be designed so as to accomodate small businesses.
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