High turnout expected in race to elect first female party leader (Clwyd West Liberal Democrats)

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Clwyd West Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

High turnout expected in race to elect first female party leader

December 5, 2008 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Turnout in the race to elect the new leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats is on target to exceed that of other recent Lib Dem leadership elections across the UK.

The ballot closes at noon on Monday, but already 62% of envelopes have been returned to Freedom Central, the Welsh Lib Dem HQ in Cardiff Bay. The winner will be announced at 1515h on Monday December 8. Chief Executive Joanne Foster said: "The response from members to the leadership election has been incredible. Both candidates, Jenny Randerson and Kirsty Williams, have done an impressive job of engaging party members. "The nature of the Welsh media means it is crucial that candidates engage directly with party members, and the high turnout - with two postal days still to go - shows how successful that has been." In addition to the five official hustings, held in each electoral region, the candidates also attended two informal hustings in Bangor and Newtown, and a series of local party events across Wales. The two candidates and their teams have also embraced modern campaigning techniques including Facebook groups, Twitter feeds, YouTube Videos etc, in addition to direct mail, telephone canvassing and face-to-face meetings.

Ms Foster added: "Both candidates have done a great job enthusing our members about this election. We will have a higher percentage turnout than in the 1999 Federal election where Charles Kennedy was elected leader (62%). And we are on course to top the turnout figures for the Scottish and Federal leadership elections."

Members have until noon on December 8 to get their ballot papers back and have their say in who leads the next phase of the Welsh Liberal Democrat revival." Notes:Turnout in recent Lib Dem elections ElectionTurnoutScottish Liberal Democrats leadership election, 2008 61.0%Federal Liberal Democrats Leadership Election, 2007 64.4%Federal Liberal Democrats Leadership Election, 2006 72.2%Federal Liberal Democrats Leadership Election, 1999 62%

Welsh Liberal Democrat President Christine Humphreys will announce the result of the leadership election on December 8, 2008.The announcement will take place at 1515h in the Japan Room of the Wales Millennium Centre. For further details or to arrange interviews contactGareth Price on 07976 898285.