Elisabeth Wilson being congratulated by Lord David Shutt

Elisabeth Wilson was adopted as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Halifax at a meeting at North Bridge Leisure Centre on Monday night. Lord David Shutt presided at the meeting.

Elisabeth Wilson attack the Labour government’s mismanagement of the economy, which has led to a £13,000 debt for every man, woman and child in Britain. She pointed to Liberal Democrat plans to reduce the deficit including getting rid of ID cards, refusing to make a like-for-like replacement of the Trident nuclear missile system, and a £400 cap on public sector pay increases.

She hit out at the arrogance of the banks, especially those part owned by the taxpayer, who refused to lend to businesses.  “The Labour government has failed to get this right. Small and medium businesses employ more people than big companies.  They are the future engine of growth,” she said.

She pointed out that out of 3000 unemployed there were 900 young people in Halifax not in education, employment and training. “Under Liberal Democrat plans all of them would be offered a job, education, training, or a paid internship.”

Elisabeth Wilson also criticized the local Conservative run Calderdale Council for doing very little to help local employment, particularly among the minority ethnic community.

“The Labour government has presided over a public transport system where popular buses, like the 36 in Skircoat, can be withdrawn overnight. Cuts are being planned in local health services, but we have no direct say in what they are.”  Elisabeth Wilson described this as a “democratic deficit”.  Only Liberal Democrats are committed to putting all this right, she added, with their commitment to fair and open government.