The Liberal Democrats, who have become the main opposition in Lewisham following a string of election wins, look set to be the main challengers at the Mayor of Lewisham election in May. They are promising an all out attempt to unseat the current Mayor, in what could be a difficult year for Labour nationally.

In both the Forest Hill and Lee Green by-elections in March 2005, the Lib Dems increased their share of the vote by over 20%, which would easily deliver a Lib Dem Mayor and unseat Mr Bullock.

Chris Maines, a former leader of neighbouring Bromley Council where he ran a budget of £300 million each year and delivered improvements to schools, the local environment as well as increasing public involvement in the Council. Chris promises action to turn Lewisham Council into an 'excellent' local authority and will campaign on three key pledges, to:

"Drastically raise educational attainment amongst young people and sort out the on going problem of school places.

"Improve the Borough's ageing council house stock, following a damming Audit Commission Report criticising the Council's maintenance programme for the 27,500 properties;

"Cut the Council Tax increases - in the three years Steve Bullock has been Mayor Council Tax has increased by over 19%."

Chris is also promising to bring the Mayor closer to residents, making Lewisham Council more responsive to local needs. He is promising to personally lead a Mayor's Diversity Task Force, to reach out to Lewisham's diverse communities. Chris also wants an emergency plan to tackle thirty years of neglect of Lewisham roads and pavements.

Chris says, "We want to create an 'excellent' Council which is responsive to the needs of Lewisham residents. Whether it is children in need of a first rate education or an older person wanting extra support to remain independent, safe and secure. The Liberal Democrats have the capacity to listen and the policies to deliver."

"I believe the Mayor of Lewisham must provide the drive and vision to ensure Lewisham Council delivers excellent services for local residents but must also accept that the buck stops with him when things don't happen." says Chris Maines.

Many Lewisham residents have became increasingly frustrated with Mayor Bullock's failure to deliver on key issues such as a new school and the three-year delay in completing Downham Lifestyles project.

"My New Year prediction is that the Liberal Democrats will emerge from the May election in Lewisham as the winners. We are a united party, fired with enthusiasm and determined to build on our local successes." said Chris Maines after the announcement adding, "everybody knows the Conservatives are a lost cause in Lewisham."

Since the last Lewisham Mayoral election the Liberal Democrat Council group has doubled in size and they have moved into second place across the borough at 2005 General Election, pushing the Conservatives into an all time low.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Lewisham Council Councillor Mark Morris said, "I warmly welcome Chris's selection as our candidate. I have worked closely with him in the past and know his energy and capacity for hard work will be a real asset to our team. Chris will provide powerful voice for Lewisham residents and has the skills to be an excellent Mayor of Lewisham."

Click here for more about Chris Maines

1st January 2006

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