LIBERAL COUNCILLORS WELCOME LEADERSHIP CONTENDER
(6 Feburary 2006)

Liberal Democrat leadership contender Chris Huhne MP was welcomed to Wembley last Friday by a senior Asian Liberal Democrat councillor in Brent, Chunilal Velji Chavda, as he chose the Green-Works factory as the venue for his Leadership Manifesto launch. Brent's Asian Liberal Democrat Councillors Chandubhai Patel and Vijay Shah are also supporting Mr Huhne, as are many local campaigners. This is partly due Kuhne's stance on diversity and commitment to see not just more women and Minority Ethnic candidates, but more MPs. He made this a key theme in his first speech after announcing he would stand to succeed Charles Kennedy as Lib Dem Leader.

Chris Huhne chose the venue to highlight Green-Works' Environment, Social Justice and Business credentials, in a close link with Liberal Democrat policies and values he is promoting. Green-Works' relatively new factory in Wembley is an expansion of its business of "recycling" and renovating old office equipment donated by companies such as Banks and multi-national corporations for re-sale at low cost to voluntary groups and others. A key part of the business is refurbishment and re-build, re-using wood and metal from chairs, tables and other furniture.

Despite the charitable nature, Green-Works operate as a business - but also employ, train and give work experience to people who often have difficulty getting employment elsewhere for reasons including a poor education, or a history of drug or other problems.

Councillor Chunilal Chavda, an Asian Councillor and Hindu by religion, said: " I was glad to welcome Chris Huhne to Wembley to launch the themes he wants the Liberal Democrats to focus on. He spoke inspiringly and sensibly, and the Green-Works setting - with its balance between environmental, social and business aims - was a good one. "

" Chris was asked about his commitment to diversity. His answer showed a recognition of the need to change the face of the party to better reflect modern Britain. The national media seemed to have picked up that he has a lot of momentum behind him."

Despite being fairly unknown among the public early in the contest, Chris Huhne is now widely thought to be running acting Leader Ming Campbell a very close race. Six of the 10 Brent Lib Dem Councillors have "declared" for him so far. The result is due on 3 March 2006.

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