Local Agent wins East of England Award

1.22.34pm GMT Thu 3rd Nov 2005

Simon Wright, Agent to North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb, has won an award as Liberal Democrat 'Agent of the Year' in the East of England. The award, was made at the Party's regional conference in Huntingdon, follows a string of electoral successes for the party in North Norfolk.

"I am delighted to have received this award," said Mr Wright, who has been working for Norman Lamb and the Liberal Democrats for 2 years. "It is really credit to the inspirational work of Norman Lamb, and the enthusiasm of our volunteers and supporters that have led to our successes in recent years. Norman has always put North Norfolk first, and he is supported by a strong group of Liberal Democrat Councillors in North Norfolk who are working very

hard for their communities."

Early this year, Liberal Democrats in North Norfolk stunned political observers by winning a local by-election in what was previously a Conservative stronghold at a crucial time before the General Election. St Benet Ward, which covers Horning, Neatishead, and Barton Turf, elected Liberal Democrat Barbara McGoun. The last time the ward was contested in 2003, the Liberal Democrats came third with just 14.5% of the vote, but following a strong campaign in February the party increased it's share to over 50%.

In May, the Liberal Democrats in North Norfolk again pulled off a fantastic victory when Norman Lamb was re-elected with a massively increased majority. North Norfolk had been a top target for the Conservatives since 2001, when Mr Lamb won the seat with a majority of just 483 votes. In May, he increased his majority by over 10,000. Also in May, North Norfolk elected 6 Liberal Democrat County Councillors, up from just 1 in 2001.

In September the Liberal Democrats won another by-election, this time in a ward they previously held. Anthea Sweeney was elected to represent Chaucer Ward, where an election was called following the death of the area's previous District Councillor - Anthea's husband John Sweeney. Again the Liberal Democrats increased their hold on the seat, and polled over 50% of the vote.

In September, Mr Wright gave a presentation at the Party's national conference in Blackpool as part of North Norfolk Liberal Democrats' bid to claim the prestigious 'Penhaligon' membership award. North Norfolk Liberal Democrats were aiming to become the first ever Liberal Democrat Local Party to win the national party award twice, but finished second.