Brent Needs A General Election - Teather

3.51.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Jun 2009

Popular local MP Sarah Teather has helped hundreds of Brent residents

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather has become the only MP in Brent to vote in parliament for an immediate general election.

Both the borough's Labour MPs voted against dissolving parliament and holding an election. The vote follows months of scandal and allegations over Brent Labour MPs expenses claims, and a massive 25% drop in the Labour vote in last week's European elections in Brent. Eight ministers have abandoned Gordon Brown's government and internal disputes have overshadowed important policy debates.

The only major party in Brent to move forward in the elections last week was Sarah Teather's Liberal Democrats. Even David Cameron has admitted that the Conservatives can't win in Brent Central.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Local residents are feeling the impact of the recession on their pockets. People are struggling and desperately want the government to show leadership. Yet for months now the Labour party have been too busy squabbling amongst themselves to tackle the real problems faced by people in Brent.

"Trust in politics is at an all time low and people naturally want a chance to have their say on the future of our borough. On housing, health, crime, education and the economy we desperately need new ideas and solutions. Gordon Brown must dissolve parliament and call a general election."

Brent Liberal Democrats Chief Whip Cllr Daniel Bessong said:

"After weeks of scandal and allegations over their abuse of taxpayer's money, followed by a hemorrhaging of the Labour vote in Brent, it is little wonder that Brent's Labour MPs are running scared of a general election.

"The surge in the Liberal Democrat vote last week was a huge boost for popular local MP Sarah Teather and her campaign for local people. Brent's Labour MPs should be putting the interests of the country ahead of their own interest in protecting their jobs."

Related Links:

House of Commons debate on dissolving parliament

Brent European Election results