Jill Wareham comments on Lib Dem move into coalition government

Isle of Wight Lib Dem Jill Wareham has commented on the news of the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition.

Jill said "The voters in this country wanted a hung parliament and the Lib Dems have grasped this wish in an attempt to stabilise the country, tackle the deficit and bring our policies into effect. Our £10,000 tax threshold and the referendum on the voting system have been agreed. There were only three options open to us; coalition with Labour, leave Conservatives to form a minority government, coalition with the Tories. Labour lost the election; a minority coalition would have meant an election within the year; leaving only one option.

"I have had a number of emails and phone calls from very unhappy people that Lib Dems have formed this coalition with the Tories. I understand their feelings not least because many people told me they had voted tactically to keep the Tories out. I would ask all of these people to wait and see what happens and keep faith with us. This is an opportunity for the Liberal Democrats to actually get our policies in place.

"Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats will continue to champion fairness and fight for the things we believe in. We may be in coalition nationally but we will continue to hold the local Conservatives to account."