Woking Lib Dems welcome new leader and launch National Listening Project

Woking Lib Dems have today welcomed the election of Ed Davey as the Leader of the Lib Dems and backed his plans for a National Listening Project.

In his acceptance speech Ed Davey announced his plans to "get beyond Westminster" and speak to people across the country so they can tell us "what matters most to them."

Ed Davey, who has been a party member for 30 years and was first elected in Kingston and Surbiton in 1997, won the leadership election with 42,756 votes.

Layla Moran, his competitor in the contest, congratulated him on Twitter, saying: "I look forward to working with him to campaign for a better future for Britain."

Lib Dem Spokesperson for Woking, Councillor Will Forster, said:

"With Ed Davey as our new leader the Lib Dem are determined to rebuild our connection to people so that we can help get through this terrible time together."

"I am delighted that Ed has committed to travelling around to meet people getting beyond Westminster."

"Like Ed the Woking Lib Dems want to understand how we can deliver more of what small business owners, nurses, teachers, parents, carers and communities really need."

"It is time to move forward and meet the big challenges our country is facing. I hope local people will join us on that journey."

Leader of the Lib Dems, Ed Davey MP, added:

"I'm determined that our Party backs a Britain that works with other countries across the world for peace and prosperity. But it is my love of our party that makes me recognise that we have to change."

"We have to wake up and smell the coffee. Nationally our party has lost touch with too many voters. Yes, we are powerful advocates locally."

"Our campaigners listen to local people, work hard for communities and deliver results. But at the national level, we have to face the facts of three disappointing general election results."

"Nationally voters have been sending us a message. But we have not been listening. It is time for us to start listening. As leader I am telling you: I have got that message. I am listening now."