Local Liberal Democrats make their presence felt at the Party Conference in Bournemouth

4.46.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 4th Oct 2009

Grahame Hudson outside the Bournemouth International Centre

Local Liberal Democrats from Rutland and Melton were actively involved in the recent Liberal Democrat Autumn Federal Conference in Bournemouth. Grahame Hudson, who is Vice-Chair of Liberal Democrat Friends of the Armed Forces and a former Royal Navy Officer, supported the Federal Conference motion on reaffirming the Military Covenant and took part in the Royal British Legion Fringe event launching the Legion's General Election Manifesto. He also attended the BBC World at One Fringe Event and was questioned by the World at One presenter, Martha Kearney, on his views on the party's tuition fees policy. His response was broadcast on the World at One fringe debate highlights.

Grahame said, "The mood of the conference was very positive and the party is looking forward to the forthcoming General Election when we can debate the key issues with Labour and the Tories. I am personally particularly looking forward to debating the issue of parliamentary expenses with my Tory counterpart, Alan Duncan, who seems to say one thing in public and another in private. His recent remarks about MPs living on rations show just how out of touch he is with voters."