It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our President, Marie Burnand.

Marie Burnand was a founder member of the Social Democrat Party, and happily embraced Liberal Democracy when the two parties joined. The success of Liberals and SDP together as the Liberal Democrats was due to people like Marie who were determined to ensure cohesion.

She has served as Secretary and Chairman, and latterly her sterling service over the years was recognised when she was acclaimed President of the Wycombe Liberal Democrats. She stood as a candidate for local council several times, and came close to being elected. She chaired the governing body of a school for children with special needs for several years, doing her utmost to ensure those needs were met.

Marie was quietly supported in her political work by her husband, Gordon, who ensured she could attend meetings as her health deteriorated. Marie, and her smile, will be greatly missed, not only by her family and local Liberal Democrats, but also by the numerous families she helped in her professional capacity.

Tory Councillors say NO to local democracy!
At a meeting of the High Wycombe Town Committee on March 11th the Tory councillors voted against true local democracy by blocking a review, proposed by Councillor Snaith, to consider the advantages of a town council for High Wycombe.

Councillors Green, Lambourne and other Tory councillors had obviously been “whipped” to argue that a town council would cost more. The reality is that the financial numbers that the Tory group came up with are based on “a finger in the air” and guess at the cost. The Tory arguments were based on supposition and not fact. In fact, a town council carrying out duties performed everywhere else by parish or town councils could probably be more efficient than the District Council – and therefore less expensive!

Conservative councillors want to deny the 46,000 people in High Wycombe town the local democracy they are entitled by law to have!
Its unfortunate that the Tory members who have expressed support for a Town Council are being gagged by the Wycombe Tory party!

Councillor Snaith and Councillor Farmer are working with other political parties and local groups to deliver a truly non-political Town Council for the Town of High Wycombe. —- We welcome all councillors who want to be part of High Wycombe’s future to be part of a non-political team – even Tory councillors when they overcome their fears of the party whips!

Over the past week I have been speaking with a number of Wycombe residents from the Asian community on the future of Pakistan. I concur with the comments made to me and those made by our new leader Nick Clegg “This is a dark day for everyone who believed in a stable and democratic future for Pakistan”.
“Benazir Bhutto was a courageous politician known throughout the world, not just Pakistan, for her forthright and sometimes controversial views. Her tragic death is a hammer blow against the dream of pluralism and tolerance in modern day Pakistan.”

In the light of her brutal assassination, the need for the full restoration of democracy in Pakistan in now paramount.

New Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP today promised to give a voice to the people of Wycombe who feel ignored by politicians.

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Setting out his priorities after being elected as party leader on December 18th, Nick Clegg said:

“I am greatly honoured to have been chosen by my fellow party members to be the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

“Throughout Wycombe Liberal Democrats are already working hard to reach out to local people and listen to their concerns. In my leadership I will be taking that spirit nationwide, moving beyond party politics and making liberalism connect with the millions of people who share our values.

“Labour and the Conservatives have failed Britain’s families. I will lead my party to change politics, and change Britain, for the better. Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to giving the people of Wycombe a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, by shifting power away from Westminster and back to local communities.

“I will fight for a fair deal for Britain’s families, campaign tirelessly to cut crime, and improve our NHS so it delivers the care people need.”

Commenting Steve Guy, Wycombe Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman said:

“Nick Clegg is going to be a great leader. Labour and the Conservatives share so many policies. The time has come for a politician who will speak up for real people and local communities – like ours in Wycombe”

Nick Clegg
Britain’s liberal future
Nick Clegg elected leader

“Under my leadership we will be ambitious. Together we can break the stifling two-party system and change Britain for good.”

On behalf of Wycombe Liberal Democrats, I would like to congratulate Nick on winning a close battle between two outstanding candidates. I am excited about our future, and I believe that, under Nick’s leadership, we are going to achieve new heights. Nick has pledged to reconnect with people, and articulate a Liberal vision for Britain.Steve Guy

Click below if you would like to read the full text of Nick’s acceptance speech:

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