Andrew at Spring Conference, 2008

The Liberal Democrat Weekend Spring Conference in Liverpool was another busy time for Andrew Stunell. His major task for the week was ensuring the passage of his 'Homes for All' consultative paper into party policy. Andrew was charged with introducing the paper, and hosting a constructive and lively debate on the conference floor. A separate motion to remove the chance for local councils to trial community land auctions was defeated, and the paper passed easily after detailed discussion. Thanks to Andrew's efforts, the Liberal Democrats are now promising to build 2.6 million new homes in England, half of which will be social homes to rent or affordable homes to help out first-time buyers. Those homes will also be energy efficient, saving money on fuel bills and helping the environment.

As well as offering solutions to the housing crisis, Andrew also met with the Greater Manchester PTA, discussing ways to improve the Transport Bill going through Parliament, and give Stockport council taxpayers more say about local bus routes and services. Greater Manchester's four Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament are working with the PTA to undo some of the damage done by the Tories bus degradation.

The Conference ended with a speech by the new Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg. Andrew is committed to Nick's vision of a new kind of politics, one that is open, honest and accountable. Giving people a real say in their own futures and the future of their communities is the founding principle of the Liberal Democrats, and Nick is committed to delivering this to the people of Britain. It is a vision of change that we can all believe in.