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04
Jun
Lib Dems open campaign headquarters in Harrogate
Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats have opened new campaign headquarters in Harrogate ahead of the General Election on July 4.
The constituency's former Lib Dem MP, Phil Willis, cut the ribbon on the premises on Westmoreland Street, flanked by party volunteers and accompanied by Tom Gordon, who will be challenging Conservative candidate Andrew Jones for the seat.
Mr Willis – who now sits in the House of Lords as Baron Willis of Knaresborough – won Harrogate and Knaresborough in 1997 and was re-elected with increased majorities in 2001 and 2005 before stepping down in 2010. He was the first Liberal MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough since 1910, when the towns formed part of the Ripon constituency.
Recalling his historic victory over former Tory Chancellor of the Exchequer Norman Lamont more than 25 years ago, Lord Willis said:
The last time I did this was in 1997 and look what happened then. I believe when we look back, this will be seen as an important day for the Lib Dems and for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
The new headquarters, located opposite Westmoreland Coffee Lounge, is larger and more visible to passersby than the party's previous base off Granby Road.
Mr Gordon expressed his gratitude for the strong show of support and emphasised the significance of the new office in the forthcoming election campaign. He said:
Our new campaign HQ shows just how serious we are about this election and our determination to fight for the issues that matter most to local people.
He added:
Already we’ve had countless people walking in to collect posters and offering to volunteer, it’s clear we are building momentum and local people see us as the key challengers and alternatives to the Conservatives here in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
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