In memory of Baroness Diana Maddock
It is with great sadness that Southampton Liberal Democrats has learned of the death of Baroness Diana Maddock last night.
Diana was a Liberal then Liberal Democrat councillor for Portswood from 1984 to 1993, when she won the Christchurch by-election to become an MP. In 1997, she was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Maddock of Christchurch and she served as Party President from 1998 to 2000.
'A tireless campaigner, Diana was an outstanding councillor, dedicated to improving our neighbourhoods and enhancing the lives of her constituents. She won her 1988 re-election under the banner "It's Diana Again' as we didn't know from day to day what the name of the newly-merged Liberal/SDP party would be! Much of the later success of the Lib Dems in Southampton was down to her inspiration. Her name still resonates with residents of Portswood where her political career was launched. Her later career is the stuff of Lib Dem history. She will be sorely missed.' (Adrian Vinson, City Alderman and former Portswood councillor)
'Having signed Diana up to the Liberal Party in the late 1970's, I saw Diana progress from an effective ward councillor, achieving an outstanding victory in the Christchurch by-election with over 62% of the vote, to becoming Party President. From canvassing Portswood in all weathers, including snow and ice, Diana went on to a seat in House of Lords. She loved politics, was loyal to the Party, enjoyed campaigning and worked hard to help her constituents.' (Margaret Singerman, City Alderman and former City Mayor and Portswood councillor)
Southampton Liberal Democrats Chair and Bassett campaigner, Richard Blackman, said, 'The tributes that I have been reading today are testament to the very high regard that Diana Maddock was held in by so many, the positive impact she had on people and places, and of course her outstanding dedication to public service.'
The members of Southampton Liberal Democrats extend their heartfelt condolences to Diana's family and friends. She will be greatly missed by the Party.
Campaign launched to shop local, protect local businesses and save jobs
Retailers and residents have welcomed Bassett, Freemantle, Portswood and Shirley Liberal Democrats' campaign to Shop Local - Protect Small Business - Save Jobs.
As Southampton City Council estimates that more than 9,000 jobs are at risk in the local retail and hospitality sector following the COVID-19 lockdown, local Lib Dems are cementing their record as the party of small business by campaigning for residents to love local or lose it.
Freemantle activist Andy Beal said "local businesses up and down Shirley High Street have gone the extra mile for the community during the lockdown. I'm calling on local residents to repay those sacrifices by shopping local. Every pound spent at your community shops and takeaways will support the livelihoods of families in the City."
Lib Dem campaigners call on the Labour administration to back this campaign. Support our campaign by joining our mailing list and keeping up to date with our campaigns.
Lib Dems back Green Transport Recovery Plan - but residents must have a say
Southampton Lib Dems Chair, Richard Blackman, has welcomed Southampton City Council's publication of its Green Transport Recovery Plan. Work has started and temporary cycle lanes have already been installed on The Avenue and Bassett Avenue. Other measures to encourage cycling and walking as well as creating space for people will be introduced across the city in the weeks and months ahead.
