Gedling Liberal Democrats

This election is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape our politics, and give hope to the millions of people who want a fairer, brighter future.

That's why, today, we have launched our campaign slogan: Stop Brexit. Build a brighter future.

The old two parties have failed Britain.
The Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit and build a brighter future.
Help us build a #BrighterFuture now ⬇️
https://t.co/GAD62tviIS pic.twitter.com/oHXDoUlXxW

- Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) October 31, 2019

The Early Parliamentary Election Bill has just passed the Commons. It's full steam ahead for an election on the 12th December.

It's likely to be the most important General Election in our lifetimes. And the Liberal Democrats are going into it as the only party that will stop Brexit on day 1.

We're ready for this. We have an ambitious plan for the future of our country, where every single person and community can thrive. But we need your help if we're going to win - and here's how you can make that happen.

The Liberal Democrats have won a major victory. The EU Council agreed to a 3-month extension to the Brexit deadline until the end of January.

The work and leadership of our Liberal Democrat MPs was absolutely crucial to securing this extension.

Our parliamentary team worked tirelessly to secure this and prevent Boris Johnson from being able to use an election to sneak through either a No Deal Brexit or his awful Brexit deal. No other party has been working as hard to protect our country's interests. Without the Liberal Democrats, our country and our future would be in a completely different place right now.

Over the weekend, the Liberal Democrats introduced a Bill to amend the Fixed Term Parliament Act and hold a General Election on Monday, December 9th.

Our plan would take No Deal off the table, end the parliamentary deadlock, and give the British people the opportunity to vote for a brighter future where we can move forward as a country. Learn more about this decision from Jo here.

Diwali is one of the most beautiful festivals of the year. It is the last day of the year in the Hindu calendar and the biggest day of celebration for Hindus - it's our Christmas.

For me, the festival of lights is a time for family, community and celebration. It is a chance to take stock of the year gone by and make plans for the year ahead.

After the chaos of the last two weeks, I am more determined than ever that we stop Brexit.

That's why, over the last few days, our team in Westminster have been working on a plan to ensure we can do that. I'm delighted to be able to share it with you today.

There are currently two barriers to stopping Brexit.

Could you persuade two people to vote Liberal Democrat? Could a group of you persuade 45 people? If so, then it could be you making the difference between adding another Remain voice to parliament - or letting in another voice for division.

In 2017, there were seats as close as two votes in North East Fife, and as close as 45 votes in Richmond Park.

Today, we join Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities to celebrate Diwali.

Across the country, streets will come alive with dazzling light displays and homes will be adorned with extravagant decorations, all to mark the festival of lights.

As families and loved ones gather to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, let us all hold on to Diwali's central message of joy, community and new beginnings. Our country's strength lies in the rich diversity of its people and it is our duty to create an environment where people of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews are welcomed and embraced.

Download the manifestos

Voting for the federal board election will open at 9 a.m. on 29th October 2019. You can find out more about all the internal elections here: www.libdems.org.uk/internal-elections

A note on the manifestos: The order in which candidates' manifestos appear was generated at random using the =RAND() Excel function. The document contains all the manifestos that were correctly supplied by the deadline for candidates supplied by the Returning Officer.

Moments ago, voting opened in the elections for Party President, and Federal Committees (including English, Scottish and Councillor Representatives).

Yesterday, I visited the (very secure) printer in Scunthorpe where the 13,000 postal ballots are being printed and I'm happy to confirm everything is very much on track and I've spent the morning triple checking the online ballot and emails.