West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Liberal Democrats
Working for You
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West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Liberal Democrats Working for You |
| West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Liberal Democrats | <info@waklibdems.org.uk> |
Robert Smith wins West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Sir Robert Smith has been returned as the MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine in the General Election. Liberal Democrat Conference approves Coalition agreementLiberal Democrat Special Conference in Birmingham today overwhelmingly approved the party's Coalition Agreement with the Conservative Party. Speaking after the vote, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: "It is five days since I accepted the position of Deputy Prime Minister. "Just five days, and we now know there will be no ID cards, no third runway at Heathrow, no more fingerprinting in schools without parents' consent, no more child detention. "Changes Liberal Democrats have spent months, years, campaigning for, are happening. "Promises we were making to people on their doorsteps just a few weeks ago are becoming realities. [Liberal Democrat Conference approves Coalition agreement] Nick's statement on the results of the election - Friday May 7Nick Clegg said that the party with the greatest number of seats and the greatest number of votes was the one which had the mandate to try and form a government. "Last night was a disappointment for the Liberal Democrats. Even though more people voted for us than ever before, even though we had a higher proportion of the vote than ever before, it is of course a source of great regret to me that we have lost some really valued friends and colleagues and we have returned to Parliament with fewer MPs than before." [Nick's statement on the results of the election] Vince Cable rules out raid on North sea oil richesVince Cable was in Aberdeen on Monday evening. He vowed not to raid the North Sea oil and gas industry for money to reduce the huge UK budget deficit. He said it was wrong to treat the industry as a "cash cow". Vince Cable, who is Lib Dem finance spokesperson, said he would be willing to take on the job of chancellor. He described it as a poisoned chalice because of the unpopular decisions on spending cuts that would have to be made. Vince said: "We are not arguing for special tax breaks offshore, but we would argue for a tax policy that reflects the realities of the industry that involve rising costs for marginal fields. The important thing is not treating the industry as a cash cow you can raid from time to time." Robert Smith has long championed the North Sea industry and worked with Vince Cable to promote it. Vince Cable vowed that his first task, should he be put in charge of the Treasury, would be to force the major banks to begin lending again to the companies that will form the future bedrock of Britain's economic recovery. He condemned attempts by rival parties to sideline the economic crisis from the heart of the election debate. He said: "The deficit is the elephant in the room and the elephant is still there. And the real challenge facing all the parties is how do you deal with the economic crisis and that is what you should be concentrating on. "The economic crisis should be at the heart of the debate. It worries me that in recent days it has somehow disappeared from the front of the election." Newspapers abandon Labour in final week endorsementsFollowing their sister paper the Guardian; the Observer today (Sunday) endorsed the Liberal Democrats. This follows the Times newspaper's endorsement of the Conservatives. Observer Newspaper supports the Liberal Democrats "Awarding seats in parliament in proportion to votes cast would extend the franchise to millions of people who feel their voices have gone unheard." "The Lib Dems have in recent years developed a habit of getting things right. They were first of the big three to embrace environmentalism, first to kick back against the assault on civil liberties, alone in opposing the Iraq war." What did Nick Clegg say?
Speaking at a non-partisan meeting in Westminster Central Hall, Nick Clegg said: "The election provided a unique opportunity for us to do things differently and usher in a new politics which you can once again be proud of". A vote for the Liberal Democrats and Robert Smith in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine will help make that change possible. Robert Smith gets out and about in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Elections that can really make a difference don't come along very often. But this is one of them. This May, you have an opportunity to shape the future of our country for the better. We've had 65 years of red team, blue team politics: the same parties taking turns and making the same mistakes, letting you down. They have taught people to expect little from politics, and get less. It is time for something different. It is time for something better. 
Annual Fundraising Dinner: Friday 11th June 2010Our guest speaker is Baroness Ros Scott, President of the Liberal Democrats. Due to circumstances beyond our control the dinner has been postponed.
Sir Robert Smith is the Lib Dem candidate for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Sir Robert Smith is the Lib Dem candidate for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine for the forthcoming general election. Robert has served West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine as its MP since 1997.
Five good reasons for voting for Robert Smith and the Liberal Democrats [Read more about Robert Smith] 
[Reaction to the first Leaders Debate] [Nick Clegg is top of the polls after the first tv debate] 
[Reaction to the second Leaders Debate] 
[Nick Clegg wins overall in the leaders' debates] 
Our four key pledges to deliver a fairer society are
Fair Taxes: We will make the first £10,000 you earn tax-free. People earning £10,000 or less will not pay any income tax and those on the basic rate of tax will have a tax cut of £700 per year. We'll pay for it by making sure the rich pay their fair share by introducing a mansion tax on the value of homes over £2M, by taxing income and capital gains at the same rate, and switching tax from income to pollution. [See Robert Smith on fuel duty hike, tax on holiday lets and tax on whisky] [Nick Clegg attacks Tory and Labour tax plans at the launch of the Scottish General Election Campaign] A fair and sustainable economy that creates jobs: We will make Britain the world leader in the green economy - investing to create tens of thousands of new jobs that last. We will use at least £3.5 billion of savings that we have identified from current expenditure in the first year of a new government to invest in public transport, a national programme of home insulation and new social housing. Our nation's finances need to be sustainable too - we will be honest about where savings must be made to balance the books and will break up the banking system to ensure financial gambling can never again bring our economy to its knees. Fair, transparent and more local politics: We will introduce a fair voting system to end safe seats so all MPs listen to people; we will ensure MPs can be sacked by their voters if they break the rules; we will return powers to local councils and local communities so they can take more decisions that affect their local areas and we will stop tax avoiders from standing for parliament, sitting in the House of Lords or donating to political parties. A fair start for all our children: We will give help to disadvantaged children to ensure a fair start to life for all our children. Putting the North East firstDelivering real change for you
During his time as our local MP, Sir Robert Smith has earned his reputation as a hardworking local champion. Robert is an experienced and respected campaigner who has championed the Oil & Gas industry and fought hard for employment opportunities for the North East. Robert is committed to continuing to stand up for the local economy and the distinctive needs of this large rural constituency. People feel let down by Labour, but you can only get rid of a Labour Government by voting out Labour MPs. There's no Labour MP to vote out here. The choice is between Sir Robert Smith, who has worked hard whilst he was an MP, and the Conservatives. Only Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats can deliver real change and fairness by introducing fair taxes, plans for sustainable growth and permanent reform of our political system. Pocket Guide to PolicyThe Pocket Guide to Policy summarises the party's key policies at a page per portfolio, for use by the party's campaigners and for anyone who is interested to know what we are proposing. The document has no formal status, although the policies summarised within it have all been passed by local party representatives at party conference. 
NEWS IN YOUR AREAWesthill and District
At the Westhill Retirement Fair Angela McMillan showed Robert Smith how to use the poles in Nordic walking. Angela runs two groups in Westhill. The Mearns
Liberal Democrat MSP for West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine Mike Rumbles has vowed to continue to support the campaign led by community campaigners, for a full flyover to be built on the A90 at Laurencekirk. Mike said "This is a notorious accident blackspot and sadly we had another fatal accident in recent months". Smith hails station success Sir Robert Smith has welcomed the news that passenger numbers at the reopened Laurencekirk Railway Station have exceeded estimates by a massive 80%. Robert has campaigned for the reopening of the station with MSP Mike Rumbles and local councillors Tom Fleming and Bill Howatson since his election as our MP in 1997. Lower Donside
Sir Robert Smith & MSP Mike Rumbles met with staff and members of the public at Kemnay Pharmacy at the start of 'Ask your Pharmacist Week' at the end of last year. Banchory and Mid Deeside
Junction Safety Fears Addressed Following concerns raised by Cllr Karen Clark, she has welcomed Aberdeenshire Council's actions to improve road safety at the junction where the A980 and B977 meet at the entrance to the Raemoir House Hotel. Bervie Braes - Quick Decision ExpectedAt talks held in Stonehaven on Saturday 27 February John Swinney promised a swift decision about Government funding for the stabilisation of Bervie Braes. All who attended the meeting regarded it as positive and constructive meeting. RUMBLES TO HOLD TALKS WITH SWINNEY ON BERVIE BRAES FUNDINGFriday 26 February West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles is to hold talks in Stonehaven tomorrow with Finance Secretary John Swinney to discuss Bervie Braes. Mr Rumbles wrote to Mr Swinney to ask for a meeting earlier this month. Commenting Mike Rumbles said: "I am pleased that John Swinney has agreed to these talks. Clearly the terrible scenes in Stonehaven have brought this into sharp focus. "What I will be looking for from this meeting is a solution. We need money to stabilise the Bervie Braes and John Swinney is the only person who can give the go ahead. "I am expecting the Cabinet Secretary to come to the meeting with solutions and for the Scottish Government to take swift action thereafter." [SALMOND HAS WASHED HIS HANDS OF BERVIE BRAES: RUMBLES] [RUMBLES SLAMS SNP "NEGLIGENCE" ON BERVIE BRAES] Urgent Action needed on Bervie Braes - Cllr Peter BellarbyThursday 25 February Aberdeenshire Council is evacuating homes below Bervie Braes, Stonehaven, following heavy rain and five landslips in one day. Stonehaven Councillor, Peter Bellarby, said: "I am really sorry for all the residents the Council has had to advise to evacuate. It is a very worrying situation for them as it is unclear when they might be able to return to their homes. The Council's emergency evacuation plan has worked well but urgent action is needed now to stabilise the Braes." John Swinney, at a recent meeting in Aberdeen, said that he was asking Transport Scotland engineers to meet Aberdeenshire Council engineers so that he could be advised on the current condition of the Braes and be given an assessment of the options available to stabilise the Braes. Cllr Bellarby has contacted John Swinney to urge him to ensure that the engineers provide that advice without further delay so that a decision about funding from the Scottish Government can be made. Cllr Bellarby said: "The Scottish Government must provide funds. That is the only way that work can be done on the Braes to provide a long term solution. Surely they must see from the landslips that have occurred today that action is needed with no more delay. The Scottish Government must respond to the plight of the residents who stay under the Braes." Sir Robert Smith MP comments following the land slide at Bervie Braes, StonehavenLocal MP Sir Robert Smith commented after his visit to Stonehaven following the landslide at Bervie Braes, Stonehaven. He said "This is an extremely stressful situation for householders. I welcome the response of the council and emergency services. It must now be clear to the Scottish Government that the Council's case for action on the braes is an urgent priority." Recent stories about Bervie Braes [Engineers to assess stability of slopes] [Rumbles calls for Bervie Braes Talks with Government] [Peter Bellarby renews call for the Scottish Government to provide funds for Bervie Braes] RUMBLES ANGER AS TRANSPORT MINISTER TRASHES HIS OWN EVIDENCEWest Aberdeenshire & Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles today (Tuesday, 2nd March) slammed Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson after claiming that Scottish Government evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee was not correct. Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland submitted a report as evidence to the Committee in October 2009 showing that a grade separated junction on the A90 at Laurencekirk could be built for £4.6 million. However addressing the Committee today, the Minister claimed that the figure was incorrect. Commenting West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles said: "It is ridiculous for the Scottish Government to formally submit evidence to the committee saying that a flyover at Laurencekirk could be built for £4.6 million, but then for the Transport Minister to turn round a few months later and trash his own report. How can we take anything the Minister says seriously when he contradicts himself in this way? "The Minister made it clear that the only chance of getting a flyover was if and when 1,000 new houses are built in Laurencekirk. If that happens it could take years, and who knows how many serious and fatal accidents up until that point?" The Minister revealed that a flyover would only be considered if there were three fatal accidents at the junction in three years, and offered a meeting between petitioner Jill Campbell and officials from Transport Scotland. Safety Improvements at Bruntland Road junction a low prioritySafety improvements to a road junction where there was a serious bus accident are a "low priority" for the Scottish Government. Aberdeenshire Councillor Paul Melling has reacted angrily to the news. It seems reducing the number of accidents at the Bruntland Road Portlethen junction on the A90 is not on ministers' list of priorities for the area. There have been a large number of accidents at the junction. In December 2009 a bus crash there left a young mother with serious injuries and she had to undergo an emergency caesarian section. Paul Melling, Councillor for North Kincardine, has been campaigning for improvements at the junction for many years. Liberal Democrats take a close look at Oil & Gas BusinessesOn Friday 12th February Simon Hughes the Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change spokesman visited a range of oil and gas businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with local MP Sir Robert Smith and Malcolm Bruce, MP for Gordon . This included a visit to Sub Atlantic in Blackburn to let the MP's see the specialist sub-sea equipment exported to clients across the globe from the NE. RUMBLES RE-SELECTED BY LOCAL LIB DEMSWest Aberdeenshire & Kincardine Liberal Democrats have re-selected Mike Rumbles as their candidate for Scottish Parliament elections. Mr Rumbles, who has served as MSP for the constituency since 1999, was selected by local members for the fourth consecutive time at the constituency party's SGM in Banchory on Friday 21 November. Commenting Mr Rumbles said: "I am very honoured that local members have selected me once again to be their candidate. It has been a real privilege to serve the people of West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine since 1999 and I am grateful to the local Liberal Democrat members for giving me the opportunity to stand as their candidate in the next elections to the Scottish Parliament." Note: This selection is for the existing constituency of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine. A review of Scottish Parliament constituencies is currently being undertaken by the Boundary Commission for Scotland so the situation may well change in the future. Minister Faces Grilling on Laurencekirk JunctionWest Aberdeenshire & Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles has welcomed the news that Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson is to be summoned before the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee on Tuesday 2nd March. The Minister has been called to respond to Jill Campbell's petition calling for a flyover to be built on the A90 at Laurencekirk. [To continue with this story click here] FOCUS: Stonehaven and Lower DeesideLocal Liberal Democrats have called on the Scottish Government to establish an independent public local inquiry into the recent flooding in Stonehaven. [FOCUS: Stonehaven and Lower Deeside] FOCUS: North Kincardine
The North-east is grinding to a halt under an SNP Government Both Cllr Ian Mollison and Cllr Paul Melling along with Mike Rumbles MSP are annoyed that SNP Ministers have left the Aberdeen Crossrail scheme gathering dust and delayed making a decision about the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Cllr Melling said "The schemes are vital for the Northeast, and vital for the Newtonhill and Portlethen area. Meanwhile we are forced to use the A90 which grinds to a halt whenever there's a minor bump. A campaign for a safe route for cyclists and walkers between Newtonhill and Portlethen is making progress. [Focus: North Kincardine - Updated February 2010] The Liberal Democrats launch a Social Network: ActThe Liberal Democrats have launched their second new website. This time it is a social network site called [Act] Working for you in West Aberdeenshire and KincardineWorking for you: Sir Robert Smith and Mike Rumbles MSP
Sir Robert Smith has been MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine from 1997 until the dissolution of Parliament on 12 April, 2010. He is the Lib Dem candidate for the seat at the forthcoming general election. Robert's most recent positions have been Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons and a member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee as well as the Procedures Committee. He was shadow energy spokesperson 2005-06. He has served on the Trade and Industry Committee, the Scottish Affairs Committee and the International Development Select Committee. He is Joint Vice-chair of the UK Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Group. Mike Rumbles is MSP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine. Mike was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and has been Convenor of the Standards Committee, Health spokesperson and Local Government and Transport spokesperson. He is currently Scottish Liberal Democrat Business Manager and Chief Whip. [Click to see "Holyrood Happenings" by Mike Rumbles] Alison McInnes is MSP for North East Scotland
Alison was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 as a regional MSP for the North East of Scotland, including West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine. She is currently the Scottish Liberal Democrats' spokesperson on Transport, Local Government and Climate Change. George Lyon is the new Liberal Democrat MEP for ScotlandIn the European elections the Liberal Democrats: * Gained an extra MEP (and more or less maintained our vote share) There are Fourteen Lib Dem Councillors Working for you in West Aberdeenshire and KincardineAboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside Ward
Cllr Peter Argyle Cllr Rosemary Bruce This ward includes Aboyne, Torphins, Lumphanan, Tarland, Ballater, Braemar and Strathdon. Banchory and Mid-Deeside WardCllr Karen Clark This ward includes Banchory, Kincardine O' Neil, Finzean and Crathes.
Huntley, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford WardCllr Alastair Ross Cllr Richard Stroud This ward includes Alford, Huntly, Cusalmond, Rhynie, Lumsden, Keig and Monymusk. The ward straddles the areas covered by West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Lib Dems and Gordon Lib Dems. Mearns WardCllr Tom Fleming Provost Bill Howatson This ward includes Laurencekirk, Inverbervie, Gourdon, Johnshaven, St Cyrus, Marykirk, Edzell Woods, Fettercairn, Auchenblae and Glenbervie.
North Kincardine WardCllr Paul Melling Cllr Ian Mollison This ward includes Portlethen Newtonhill Muchalls, Netherley, Maryculter and Banchory Devenick.
Stonehaven and Lower Deeside WardCllr Peter Bellarby Cllr Mike Sullivan This ward includes Stonehaven, Drumoak and Durris. West Garioch WardCllr Hazel Al-Kowarri Cllr Sheena Lonchay Sheena is a member of Gordon Lib Dems. This ward includes Kemnay, Insch, Oyne and Old Rayne. The ward straddles the areas covered by West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Lib Dems and Gordon Lib Dems.
Westhill and District WardCllr Gurudeo Saluja This ward includes Westhill, Elrick, Echt, Dunecht and Sauchen. West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Liberal DemocratsWho are we?West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine Liberal Democrats are what the Lib Dems call a Local Party. In our case it covers the same area as the Scottish Parliament Constituency of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine does. Note that this is nearly, but not quite, the same as the area of the Westminster Constituency of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine. How do we work?We have an Executive Committee comprising:
Convener: Paul Melling convener@waklibdems.org.uk Vice-convener: Mike Hall Secretary: Maureen Strachan Treasurer: Peter Bellarby Campaigns Officer: Sheila Thomson Fundraising Office: Karen Clark Membership Secretary: Mike Rumbles and a number of members. Other Local PartiesThe links below will take you to the websites of other Local parties in the North East of Scotland. [Aberdeen South Liberal Democrats] [Banff and Buchan Liberal Democrats] Nick Clegg Welcomes you to our Web Site 
"Welcome to our website. The Liberal Democrats are now the only party that can deliver social justice. We are only choice for anyone who wants a fairer Britain. "We will put money back in the pockets of ordinary families. We will build a stable, green economy for each and every one of us. We will change politics so that every person counts. "You can find out more, including how to keep in touch or join the Liberal Democrats, on this site."
[Archive of earlier news stories]
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Liberal DemocratsWorking for You Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY.Published and promoted by P W Bellarby on behalf of Sir Robert Smith (Scottish Liberal Democrats), both at 6 Dee Street, Banchory, AB31 5ST. The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider. |
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