Mike Brooke

In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

We would like to thank all those who voted for us on 5^th May.

It was very tense at the count and with the recount that took place the results were not declared until 5.00am on Friday morning. We are very grateful for the trust you have placed in us It is a privilege to represent you all on Poole Borough Council.

On 5th May you have a choice. You can keep the discredited First Past the Post system to elect our MPs, or you can choose a new and fairer system - Alternative Vote (AV). Back the campaign for change at www.YesToFairerVotes.org

AV is a small change that makes a big difference.

Saying YES! to Fairer Votes Means:

Mr Mayor, Members, Officers and Residents,

I am grateful for this opportunity to deliver the Liberal Democrats' response to this year's Conservative budget, and in doing so, to set out some of the key principles which have informed our proposals.

But first, I would like to commend the work of the Head of Financial Services and her staff for the way in which they have managed both the Council's finances, and especially this year, have also produced a comprehensible guide to an otherwise incomprehensible subject: Local Authority finances. Perhaps Eric Pickles should be sent a copy!