In the 2010 budget, George Osborne pointed fingers at Labour, and now in 2024, Rachel Reeves is pointing fingers at the Conservatives. While it's undeniable that the chaos and decline of the past 14 years stem from Conservative governance, it's the everyday people who are bearing the brunt of this political carousel and blame game.

So, after last week's budget, which political party is the voice of small businesses, family farmers, pensioners, and the communities in our countryside and towns? The answer is the Liberal Democrats.

To restore our broken public services and address the crises in social care and the NHS, the Liberal Democrats have viable solutions. It is the traditional two-party system and flip-flop of governance which is letting us down.

I live in a rural community. The Conservatives betrayed farmers through poorly negotiated trade deals and a mismanaged transition to Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS), causing huge hardship. Labour had a great opportunity in the budget which they spectacularly missed.

It’s perplexing to see local Conservative councillors blame the new Labour government when their own party held power and governed for 14 years. Additionally, the Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North has chosen to abstain from her duty as a voice for constituents in Parliament by pursuing a personal opportunity as Deputy Speaker. Politics shouldn’t be this way. It’s no wonder that people become disillusioned and disengaged.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to representing the interests of all their constituents, and not just those who support them at the ballot box. We are proud to serve our communities. We work hard for local people, we hear your concerns, and never take you for granted. 


 

Cllr Sally Yalden,

Test Valley Borough Councillor for Ampfield and Braishfield, including parts of Michelmersh and Timsbury