Lib Dem Victory in Bedford Mayoral Race

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has sent a message of congratulations to the new Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson and reminded the Conservatives that such a resounding victory for the Liberal Democrats in the East of England is proof the General Election is not the foregone conclusion they think it is.

He said:

"This is a sensational victory for Dave Hodgson and I congratulate him and the Bedford Liberal Democrats for an outstanding campaign. By electing Dave Hodgson as Mayor the people of Bedford have put their trust in the Liberal Democrats to work hard on their behalf.

"People told me and Vince Cable at our visits to Bedford that they are enthusiastic about our message for real change.

"This result shows how misplaced the Conservatives' complacency about the next election really is. The Liberal Democrats have never taken a single vote for granted. With Labour lagging behind at a disastrous fifth this is yet more evidence that the real choice is now between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats."

Nick Clegg has recorded a video of congratulations which can be seen at http://bit.ly/2wGJun