Simon hails Obama as 'inspiration' in speech to regional conference

12.00.00pm GMT Mon 3rd Nov 2008

Simon Hughes MP hailed Barack Obama's campaign as providing 'inspiration for the future of politics in Britain' in a speech to Saturday's gathering of East Midlands Liberal Democrats in Northampton.

Simon Hughes said: "Barack Obama's campaign has reached out to millions of Americans disenchanted with politics and politicians. As Liberal Democrats we take a grassroots approach to politics. Barack Obama's campaign has shown the way in increasing political engagement and voter turnout and he is an inspiration to us all!"

The Conference saw party members from across the East Midlands gather to listen to debates and take part in workshops aimed at recruiting new members and preparing for the 2009 county and Euro elections.

Lib Dem MP for Chesterfield Paul Holmes also referred to Barack Obama's campaign in his speech to members, explaining how it demonstrated the importance of grassroots campaigning. He urged all local parties in the region to deliver their county targets. Other speeches covered the Euro election campaign and the importance of the internet as a campaigning tool.