I would like to thank everyone who voted for me in the local elections (though I have it on good authority that many would have preferred to vote for Bella the dalmatian).

In November I took up the post of Treasurer for the Southport, now Sefton Liberal Democrats. At the end of February John Pugh asked me stand for Duke’s Ward and the association duly elected me to try.

To be honest, I thought I had no chance. I have not done anything like this before. I have no track record. In a two-month campaign, there is no time to canvass and meet many of you. You don’t know who I am or what my values are and I was standing in a safe Tory ward against an incumbent with a track record and following.

I was therefore humbled and astonished that 967 people trusted and gave me their vote, putting me in a strong second place.

I repeat what I said to those few people I did meet: Southport has a unique challenge that transcends party politics. Sefton Council is dominated by Labour councillors who historically have voted as a block and Southport feels it gets a raw deal. To combat this we need, a wider range of voices- constructive, independent thinking, non-Labour councillors in Southport.

However we need to go further and secure more councillors in wards covering Blundellsands, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and others.

We have a unique opportunity to reset the balance on Sefton council in 2026 when all three council seats in every ward are in play. If you are interested in standing as a councillor or helping in the campaigning, please contact me at dbond.libdems@gmail.com

Damian Bond

May 6th 2024