Former Labour MP joins the campaign trail for Bridget and Laura

3.29.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 29th Apr 2005

Brian Sedgemore, former Labour MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, visited Islington yesterday to support Liberal Democrat candidates Bridget Fox and Laura Willoughby with their general election campaign.

Brian Sedgemore joined the Liberal Democrats earlier this week after 27 years as a Labour MP because he was disillusioned with New Labour over the stance they had taken on the Iraq war, top up fees and civil rights. He accused Mr Blair of ditching key liberal principles, saying plans to allow house arrest for terror suspects had been the final straw.

He said he wanted to give Tony Blair a "bloody nose" at the polls and encouraged other disillusioned Labour voters in Islington to back Bridget Fox and Laura Willoughby on May 5th.

Brian Sedgemore was enthusiastic about the chances of the Liberal Democrats in Islington saying:

"It's clear that people round here are keen for a change. Support for Tony Blair is evaporating. The Conservatives haven't a hope. Bridget Fox and Laura Willoughby are well placed to win.

"Laura Willoughby is biting chunks out of Jeremy's seat, he's getting a bit tetchy."

Islington South & Finsbury Liberal Democrat Bridget Fox said:

"I'm pleased that Islington is the first constituency Brian chose to visit after joining the Liberal Democrats. Here in Islington we are attracting support from former Conservatives and former Labour voters who are united in their anger about Tony Blair's action and support the Liberal Democrats' positive approach."

Laura Willoughby, candidate for Islington North added:

"Thousands of former Labour voters in Islington feel let down by Labour over issues including the war, tuition fees and pensions. By voting Liberal Democrat they can send a powerful message that enough is enough."