Hard work will be rewarded in 2007

12.00.00am GMT Thu 4th Jan 2007

Liberal Democrat Party President Simon Hughes MP, has issued his new year message to party activists. He said:

"During 2006 the Liberal Democrats were the best-performing party in parliamentary by-elections, victorious in one and nearly winning a second.

"We went forward in other elections in England, Scotland and Wales, held our ground across England in the May local elections and were neck and neck with the Tories as well as way ahead of Labour and others in all other local by-elections during the year.

"2006 showed that even in a difficult year Liberal Democrats keep going forward. This year we are much better placed to make even more progress in England, Scotland and Wales.

"But all the evidence is that the progress achieved is directly related to the effort put in. Where Liberal Democrats work they win. And where our messages are clear and our actions are effective we will be rewarded by the public.

"During 2007 we must be seen as the party with effective answers to the important issues that affect us all. These include the environmental crisis, law and order, democratic involvement in our public services modernising our constitution, reforming the House of Lords and devolving power down from Westminster and Whitehall.

"All these policies are consistent with the wishes of millions of people. If we present them clearly then we gain the political rewards."