Lib Dems Say Put Up Or Shut Up

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have challenged the 2 councillors who have deserted their electorate to resign and stand again under their true colours.

Cllrs Naughton and Heseltine have abandoned their electorate and joined the Mayor's Better Bedford Party. Both of the Councillors are relative novices. Cllr Heseltine has served for only 10 months and Cllr Naughton for 2 years 10 months.

Cllr Christine McHugh, Deputy Group Leader said:

"I am very surprised that they have taken this course of action. Having only been elected last year as Liberal Democrats, I expect them now to do the honourable thing and resign and stand again showing their true colours."

"Better Bedford was soundly defeated last year in their ward, trailing in fourth, 950 votes behind the Liberal Democrats. It's dishonest to use one party to get elected and then switch to another less popular one, the local electors deserve better than this."

Cllr Michael Headley, Group Leader said:

"They have let everybody down who has worked with and for them. I am astonished that they have chosen to line up with the Mayor after he has made so many poor decisions. Their electorate will want to know why they are now backing the double inflation rise in Council Tax and the stealth tax on shoppers from the 40% rise in parking charges? Why are they now advocating clobbering people with new charges for collecting bulky rubbish and having their drains unblocked? And why with all these extra charges are they are increasing the ceremonial budget to £144,000 and the town twinning budget by 10%? These aren't the policies their electorate voted for and they are not ones Lib Dem councillors support."