LIBERAL DEMOCRATS FIELD RECORD NUMBER OF CANDIDATES IN POWYS AS CAMPAIGN STARTS

5.59.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Apr 2008

26 Strong Team - Biggest Ever

Powys Liberal Democrats have launched their campaign ahead of the local government elections on May 1st.

 Launching the campaign Cllr James Gibson-Watt, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrat group on Powys County Council, said: "Here in Powys we're proud that Welsh Liberal Democrats are making a difference, creating a greener and safer Powys, whilst providing Better Value for money. We're proud of our record of voting to keep council tax at reasonable levels while ensuring investment in vital frontline services like education, social care, roads and public transport."

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats enter this election with the strongest team of Councillors we've ever had and the largest team of candidates. We are the only political party to have Councillors in each of the three historic counties of Powys and are keen to build on our success in next month's elections."

Notes:

• Welsh Liberal Democrats are fielding 26 candidates in this election (16 in Brecon & Radnorshire and 9 in Montgomeryshire).

• Welsh Liberal Democrats currently hold 15 of the 73 seats, ahead of Labour who have just 4 seats. The WLDs are the largest Political Group on the council and currently have three members of the ruling board.

• 13 of the sitting 15 Welsh Liberal Democrat Councillors are seeking re-election. Cllr Louis Williams (Newtown East) and Cllr Richard Tyler (Rhayader) are both retiring.

Ends/Diwedd