Greater co-ordination and better integration for effective and successful campaigning.

8.34.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th Oct 2007

"Earnshaw Palmer believes that greater co-ordination and better integration of campaigns will yield massive success for Lib Dems in the region."

In the course of this selection campaign I have identified that many local parties are conducting similar campaigns within counties in particular and across the region in general with varying degrees of success. The most common campaigns in the region are hospital campaigns, unsustainable housing developments in inappropriate locations, inadequate facilities and improved public services.

To maximise the effectiveness of campaigns it is imperative for greater co-ordination at county level to achieve the following:

• share best practice

• replicate success

• avoid pitfalls

• utilise existing knowledge.

There is no point in inventing the wheel.

Campaign packs with templates should be available for various campaigns. Although ALDC sends regular national campaign briefings, it is essential for local campaigns to be well co-ordinated.

The merits of a co-ordinated approach would mean

• effective mobilisation of activists

• consolidation of action days

• improvement of the party's profile

• extending the scope of local activities.

At regional level these campaigns should be integrated to maximise effectiveness and bring additional pressure to bear on the government. This would provide sufficient data that will help the regional party identify common problems thereby enabling it to formulate policies to tackle known and anticipated problems.

From a strategic perspective, this move is crucial to establishing firm foundation in building and developing well oiled campaign machines capable of effective targeting and achieving meaningful results. Lib Dems synergy in action.

Strengthening grassroots campaign will enable us to elect more Lib Dem councillors, MPs and MEPs improving our influence and capacity to serve our communities at local, national and European levels.