"Lib Dems Beat Government Again" - Öpik

2.27.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 5th May 2006

"The Liberal Democrats again got a higher share of the vote than the Labour party in the local elections."

Commenting on the results of the local elections in England, Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said today:

"There can be no doubt that three-party politics is here to stay, after the Liberal Democrats again got a higher share of the vote than the Labour party in the local elections.

"In January, people were predicting a Lib Dem meltdown.  Instead we've outscored the Government again, and consolidated our strong position. 

"Our sustained success is down to the commitment and character of our councilors, and our principle and policies as a party.  A BBC poll last night showed that people now trust us, more than any other party, with the NHS. 

"The Tories have made gains in traditional Tory areas- the blue bits have got bluer.  But in traditional working-class areas, like much of Wales, they have yet to make any kind of impact at all.

"These results bode well for us as we look forward to making gains at the Welsh General Election in 12 months time.

"It was another long, dark night for Tony Blair.  The sun is setting on his premiership."