Lib Dems to 'end the Labour era'

Labour's "era of domination" of councils in Wales is over according to Welsh Lib Dem Leader Mike German.

Before the party's local election campaign was launched on Wednesday, he said Lib Dem led authorities were "safer, greener" and "better value".

The launch was held in Newport to emphasise party ambitions across Wales.

A party source said the Lib Dems were "on the offensive" and not just seeking to keep power in Bridgend, Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham in the 1 May poll.

In Cardiff, the Liberal Democrats run a minority administration.

They are in coalition with other parties in Swansea, Wrexham and Bridgend.

All four councils were run by Labour before the last local elections in 2004.

"We've shown we can provide a safer, greener, better value alternative"
Mike German

Mr German described the Liberal Democrats as the "growing force" in local government in Wales.

"Labour's era of domination in local government in Wales is over," he said.

"Since taking the lead in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend and Wrexham, we've shown we can provide a safer, greener, better value alternative," Mr German added.

The party's manifesto, also launched on Wednesday at the home of Newport County AFC, claimed the Liberal Democrats were "setting the agenda" on providing safer communities, recycling and keeping council tax rises down.

Lib Dem local government spokesperson Jenny Randerson said Newport was Labour's "last city stranglehold" in Wales but no longer "safe".

"Labour has run Newport since the last local government re-organisation," she said.

"But nowhere is safe at this election," Ms Randerson added.

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