Kennedy lays down challenge to Blair in Hodge Hill
July 1, 2004 4:39 PM
Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy has used a campaigning visit with Nicola Davies in Hodge Hill to lay down a challenge to Tony Blair. Mr. Kennedy said "This is my second visit within a week of the election being called yet there's no sign of the Prime Minister gracing us with his presence. I understand the Labour candidate in this election was one of his advisors, so I'm baffled that there is not a single hint that the Prime Minister will pay a visit."
Mr. Kennedy further said "The Labour campaign hasn't even included a picture of him on any of their leaflets - surely the Prime Minister is not ashamed of their campaign? Birmingham is Britain's second city and in June local people rejected the Labour party. Surely this is an issue of some concern to the Prime Minister? Having lost Liverpool, Newcastle and now Birmingham there is something going on."
Mr. Kennedy concluded by saying "Clearly the Liberal Democrats have entered the race here in Hodge Hill as the favourites to challenge for the seat. Yet when the Prime Minister won in 1997 this was a classic safe Midlands seat for the Labour Party. In seven years everything has changed - residents in Hodge Hill and this part of Birmingham have not noticed the differences - there are still significant teaching vacancies in schools, manufacturing and industry is shrinking here, it can be difficult to find a dentist who will take NHS patients? My issue with the Prime Minister is very simple - come to Birmingham and hear what local people have to say about what his Government is or rather isn't doing."
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