Former minister '˜inspires' St Leonards Lib Dem lunch

Liberals from across four East Sussex constituencies packed in to the Royal Victoria Hotel to hear the former Deputy Leader of the Party and Justice Minister.

Chairman of the Hastings and Rye Lib Dems Nick Perry said: “This was a real treat for us.

“The staff at the Royal Victoria did us proud, and Simon was totally inspirational.

“We were able to congratulate him on his new job as Head of Public Affairs for the Open University, and were able to tell him about the unfolding horror of the possible loss of Brighton University from Hastings.

“As the Observer reported last week, we are delighted that all the political parties are speaking with one voice on this very important issue.

“Having represented North Southwark and Bermondsey for 32 years‎ in Parliament, Simon is well-aware of the importance of continuous supported access to higher education for areas with deprivation challenges.”

Mr Hughes last visited the town in March, 1986 – three years after his Bermondsey by-election win – and in May that year the Liberals went on to become the largest group on Hastings Borough Council.

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