Top MP visits Gloucester as Lib Dems target election wins

Lib Dem leadership contender Sir Ed Davey has visited Gloucester and joined campaigning in two key council by-elections in the city.

Sir Ed, who is hoping to succeed Sir Vince Cable, joined party activists campaigning in Barnwood and Podsmead.

Voters go to the polls in the two wards on Thursday July 25 following the death of Conservative councillor Lise Noakes, who represented Barnwood, and the resignation of Podsmead Labour councillor Deborah Smith.

Sir Ed went door-to-door canvassing in Barnwood with by-election candidate Ashley Bowkett, and then travelled to Podsmead to support Sebastian Field's campaign.

They went to Halford House - named after former Liberal councillor David Halford - and met with residents to discuss local issues with Sebastian.

Sir Ed also met local members and Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Gloucester Dr Rebecca Trimnell.

Sebastian Field, who is hoping to win Podsmead for the Liberal Democrats, said: "Sir Ed was very impressed with our strong campaigns in Gloucester and learned how we are working really hard to win both Barnwood and Podsmead.

"David Halford did a lot of good work in Podsmead as a councillor in the 1970s and 1980s and many people still remember him. It was a great honour to take a senior Lib Dem MP to the block of flats named after David and speak to residents.

"It was great to meet him and have his backing for all the good work we are doing in local communities across Gloucester."

Ashley Bowkett, who is standing in Barnwood, said: "I was very proud to welcome Sir Ed to Barnwood and show him what a great place it is to live.

"Local residents welcomed the opportunity to speak to him and raise their concerns about issues important to them."

Dr Rebecca Trimnell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Gloucester, added: "Sir Ed was very impressed with our strong campaigns in Gloucester and learned how we are working really hard to win in both Barnwood and Podsmead.

"The Liberal Democrats are on the up in Gloucester and it was only in May that we beat both the Conservatives and Labour in the EU elections in the city."

Sir Ed is vying with deputy leader Jo Swinson to be the new party leader.

The winner will be announced next Monday.