Sir Ed Davey speaks to Poole residents ahead of local elections

Sir Ed Davey visited Poole to talk to the Lib Dem candidates standing for the upcoming local election.

Mr Davey said his party has a 'good chance of doing really well against the Conservatives' in Dorset.

He said: "There's a real sense across the whole of West Dorset that the Liberal Democrats are making good progress.

"Most people realise it's a two-horse race between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

"After our success in BCP last year, there is a sense that we could do the same in Dorset."

The party leader, joined by Vikki Slade, went door-to-door to speak with Dorset residents, gather information, and identify key issues within the community.

Mr Davey said: "People's concerns vary, but a few themes come through.

"People are particularly worried about public services, particularly health and care. Whether they're trying to see their local GP or care for their relatives, underfunding in care is a real issue.

"Environmental issues have come in a number of places, things like sewage being dumped in rivers or on the coast.

"Wimborne residents are very angry with the closure of QE leisure centre, which is a place I used to take my son.

"There is a general feeling that the current Dorset Council really has done a a good job, and we feel that there is a real movement towards us."

Ed addressed the issue of people becoming disengaged with politics following the Conservative government.

He said: "The sleaze and scandal of the Conservatives has put people off.

"We think politics is a broken system. We are strong community campaigners.

"When you elect a Liberal Democrat as your councillor, you get someone who listens to you and fights for you.

"I think that's why people are turning to us, be: they have been put off by the Tories."

The recent visit saw the Liberal Democrats campaigning in Michael Tomlinson The Minister of State for Countering Illegal Migration's constituency.

Ed spoke on the recent passing of the Rwanda Bill in response to illegal migration.

He said: "We've thought from the very start the Rwanda bill was going to be extremely expensive and not work very well.

"We've seen some dreadful things happen in our channel, and we all want to stop the boats; the question is how?

"We need a much better combination with our international partners to tackle the issue.

"These human traffickers, they're quite despicable people. We need to break up those criminal gangs, which means much closer international cooperation.

"We also ensure that for genuine asylum seekers, there are safe and legal routes to come here and have their cases heard."

The elections will be held on May 2.