AFTER the scandals surrounding the Liberal Democrats they have elected a new leader.

But the Lib Dems face many barriers over the next few years.

The main challenge is they need to re-invent themselves as a credible party.

As long as they remain soft on crime and out of touch on issues such as anti-social behaviour they will not be taken seriously.

Locally the Lib Dems campaign on cracking down on crime but a few miles away in the House of Commons they have opposed all measures which the Labour Government has taken to make our areas safer.

They voted 12 times against ASBOs. They have also attempted to deprive local authorities and police of new powers given to them by Labour to crack down on crime.

The Lib Dems have to begin to face up to the tough decisions necessary to secure Britain's future.

RICHARD WILLIAMS
Labour candidate for Crystal Palace