Graham Oakes - the way ahead

4.59.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 7th May 2005

Responding to the General election result in South Dorset Graham Oakes said:

"Both of the other main parties spent thousands of pounds each month in the

run up to polling day. Both received high profile visits from assorted senior politicians and both were boosted by large numbers of helpers from outside the constituency."

"Despite this, the Lib Dems increased our share of the vote and will now set about building a stronger challenge for next time."

"I expect the Conservatives to now change their candidate as they will their

Leader."

"As we are seen as a credible alternative then we will, as we did this time,

attract support from both of the other parties.""

"By 2009 we will be the positive and real alternative to Labour in South

Dorset."