Open Race in New Constituency

By Ben Aulakh

“Wide open,” that is the verdict of Liberal Democrat candidate Nigel Rock on the election race in the newly created constituency of Kenilworth and Southam in Warwickshire.

Mr Rock said, “Although there may be considerable uncertainty about the result as it is a completely new seat, historically there is significant support for the Liberal Democrats across the whole area.

“If Kenilworth and Southam follows the national trend, there is a good chance of a Liberal Democrat MP here, its wide open.”

Mr Rock – currently a District Councillor in Stratford upon Avon – admitted that the contest was a two-horse race between the Tories and the Liberal Democrats.

The seat was created after a review carried out by the Boundary Commission for England in the year 2000 recommended a sixth constituency for the county.

The most recent electoral indication of which way the seat may go came in last year’s County elections, where the Tories and Liberal Democrats garnered 48 per cent and 33 per cent of the vote respectively.  

Cllr Rock is clear on what he believes are the most important differences between his campaign and that of his rivals.

“Economic matters, competence and trust are issues as important here as every where; with Nick Clegg and Vince Cable and our policies of fairness and being straight with the public, many voters are now realising there is an a real alternative.

He added, “Here in Warwickshire the Conservatives have come unstuck with their lack of competence in proposing Fire Station closures and threats to Nursery Schools. 

“Secrecy and confusion have reigned, which has required us to force out information to the public.”

A cornerstone of Mr Rock’s campaign is his opposition to the government’s proposed route for a new high speed rail link.

“The Lib Dems believe in the expansion of the railway system - and yes, high speed rail can be a part of that; however this mega-high speed route and all it implies is quite unacceptable.”

“Upgrading existing lines and reopening closed lines should come first; this proposal gives people in Warwickshire all the pain and no gain.”

Photograph from Kenilworth and Southam Liberal Democrats.