Liberal Democrat leadership contender Norman Lamb has visited party colleagues in Brighton and Hove.
The Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats have boasted something of a resurgence since the elections on Thursday 7 May.
The local party said that it had doubled in size since polling day. And members were in buoyant mood as they heard Mr Lamb set out his vision for the future of the Liberal Democrats on Saturday (30 May).
Mr Lamb said: “Since the election there has been a surge in party membership with more and more people joining the party across the country.
“It was great to meet our new members in Brighton and hear why they have decided to support the Lib Dems locally.
“People were concerned about issues from defending the Human Rights Act and getting more women into politics to protecting our NHS, improving mental health services – and nuclear disarmament.
“I’m confident that Brighton and Hove Lib Dems will go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
Mr Lamb, who served as Health Minister in the coalition government, visited Hove earlier this year to meet staff and patients at an innovative doctors’ surgery.
After the Lib Dem event Paul Chandler, chairman of the local party, said: “The doubling in party membership since polling day is unprecedented and sends a very clear message to the other parties that the Lib Dems are ready for the national and local fightback.
“To have seen so many new faces, all eager to carry the Liberal Democrat message across the city, is extremely encouraging.
“I’m looking forward to working with both new and existing members over the coming weeks and months.”
Central Hove campaigner Jeremy Gale said: “While I was personally disappointed not to have performed better in the local elections we have clearly reaped some rewards from the 12-month campaign.
“The increase in local membership is frankly phenomenal. We now have more people engaged than ever before which will provide us with a springboard for 2019 and beyond.”
