The Gateshead 11/1

February

Democrat
2011

The newsletter for Liberal Democrats in Gateshead

Fairer Votes referendum special edition

Fiona backs campaign

Referendum to be
for fairer votes held on 5th May
North East Lib Dem
Euro MP Fiona Hall has
joined campaigners
from across the
political spectrum
calling for a switch to
fairer votes.
A referendum on
changing to a fairer
voting system will be
held in May. A cross-
party ‘Yes to AV’
campaign is already
active throughout the
North East.
Fiona helped
volunteers at street stalls
as they spoke to passing
shoppers and handed
out items to remind
people of the MPs’ zFiona Hall MEP teams up with North East students to back the
expenses scandal. campaign for fairer votes. A referendum will be held on 5th May in
Fiona said, “The which people will vote on whether or not to change the voting
referendum on fairer system.
votes is hugely important. It is a once in a generation opportunity to make politics fairer and to
ensure every vote counts.
“A Yes vote in the referendum will mean all MPs will have to gain the support of at least half of
local voters. Safe seats will be a thing of the past.
“The people I spoke to today are looking forward to finally getting fairer votes. They recognise
that the current system is outdated and ineffective. The only people who have anything to fear from
the new system are the MPs who owe their position to the status quo.
“It is clear from the polls - which show the Yes vote leading the way - that people are ready for a
change. I am sure that lead will continue to grow as more people learn more about the referendum.
Hopefully, events like today’s street stall can help that process of raising awareness.”
Published, promoted and printed by Gateshead Liberal Democrats, all at 97 Front St, Whickham, NE16 4JL
 Call to arms for fairer
votes - May deadline
On 5th May Britain will go to the polls - to vote on how we vote! A referendum will be held on
voting for MP should be changed to a fairer system.
Liberal Democrats have campaigned for years for a
change to the voting system to make MPs work harder,
be more accountable to constituents and election
results more representative of the way people vote.
A referendum on changing the voting system was a
key demand of the Liberal Democrats during the
negotiations to form the Coalition.
“I strongly urge all Liberal Democrats to encourage
their family, friends and neighbours to vote ‘Yes’ on 6th
May,” said Councillor Noel Rippeth, Leader of the
Liberal Democrats on Gateshead Council. “Remind
people that the voting system in Britain is broken. It
gave us the expenses scandal and a situation in which
too many people feel their votes do not count.
“Changing to the ‘Alternative Vote’ will mean MPs
will need to work harder to get elected. They will be far
more accountable to residents and no vote needs to
be wasted.”
Gateshead Liberal Democrats will keep you informed of news about the campaign. In the
meantime, visit www.YesToFairerVotes.org.uk to keep in touch with what is happening to win a
‘Yes’ vote across the country.

Why vote “Yes”?

z Fairer votes will make all MPs work harder to get elected as they will have to win at
least half the votes cast.
z People will have a stronger voice in Parliament as MPs will have to keep in touch to
make sure they get re-elected.
z Fairer votes will end “jobs for life” for MPs.

Calling all candidates!

The local elections in Gateshead will be held on Thursday 5th May. Anyone interested in being a
candidate for any of the 22 wards in Gateshead should contact Frank Hindle on 0191 4879179
or hindlefrank@acm.org.
All candidates, and councillors seeking re-election, will have to go through an approval proc-
ess if they haven’t already done so in the past four years. Frank will provide you with the form
you need to complete.
The adoption meeting, which is open to all members, will be held at 7pm on Wednesday
16th March at Gateshead Civic Centre.