Councillor Roger Crouch and Assembly Member Gareth Roberts blast Thames Water for hosepipe ban as figures reveal they lost 569 million litres of water per day due to leaks last year.

With the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a drought in 8 areas of England and Wales and 7 others facing “prolonged dry weather”, including Hounslow under a hosepipe ban, Hounslow Liberal Democrats have called out Thames Water over figures recently analysed by the party which show they lost 569 million litres of water due to leaks in 2024/2025. That’s the equivalent of 228 Olympic-sized swimming pools every day.

As a hosepipe ban continues for residents in Hounslow, Councillor Roger Crouch has called on Thames Water to “urgently get its house in order” by fixing the leaky infrastructure rather than simply imposing hosepipe bans on their customers.

Thames Water’s failings come on top of persistent sewage dumping into the River Thames including at Isleworth and pollutant levels which fall short of expected standards.

As the climate continues to change, and heatwaves become commonplace, Cllr Crouch has demanded the Government include measures to reduce leaks in the upcoming Water (Special Measures) Bill. With 569 million litres of water (83,089 Olympic-sized swimming pools) lost due to leaks by Thames Water last year, tackling leaks would go a long way in improving the resilience of the water sector, and helping to mitigate future shortages.

Thames Water’s leaks for 2024-2025 are equivalent to 98 litres of water per customer, per day. That’s enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool 228 times over. 

Gareth Roberts, Hounslow’s London Assembly member, said:

“Liberal Democrats consistently called for better regulation of Hounslow’s water industry, and this revelation from data analysed by the House of Commons Library and the Liberal Democrats has only reinforced their calls.”

Roger Crouch, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Isleworth, added:

“Thames Water have got away with their grossly negligent handling of our water infrastructure for far too long - now these figures prove it. Thames Water needs to urgently get its house in order.

“Whilst residents in Hounslow have to face a hosepipe ban, Thames Water are taking them for a ride. Thames Water must stop rewarding their unaccountable bosses with exorbitant bonuses and start investing in fixing their infrastructure so we can avoid this happening time after time.”

“The Government must immediately replace Ofwat with a powerful new regulator, to hold Thames Water to account for its persistent failures. Under the mutual model of ownership that we are calling for, infrastructure investment would be a priority for water companies, with bills reinvested into stopping leaks and preventing sewage dumping.”

Corby Liberal Democrats back the campaign to save the Corby Fireworks — and call on both councils to make it happen

Corby Lib Dems are urging North Northamptonshire Council and Corby Town Council to work with local residents to Save Corby Fireworks now, while there is still time to deliver a display this November.

Corby Liberal Democrats have today thrown their support behind the campaign to save the Corby Bonfire and Fireworks and are calling on North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and Corby Town Council (CTC) to work with local campaigners to enable an event this year.

The free display at the boating lake has run since 1975, when it was set up by the then Corby Borough Council to draw people away from unofficial bonfires that were injuring residents and overwhelming the fire service. It draws thousands of people from Corby and the surrounding towns every November. In 2021 it was among the events NNC pledged to keep going when it took over as the unitary authority.

In May 2026, it emerged that NNC intended to end its funding and staffing of the event. A petition and a community campaign group were launched within days. In July, NNC’s executive member for communities told full council the authority was not in a position for the event to go ahead in 2026, citing cost and staffing, and expressed the hope that this would be a “fallow” year while another organisation came forward. NNC has said the cost rose from around £18,000 in 2022 to more than £45,000 last year, largely because of enhanced safety requirements.

A community campaign that deserves an answer, not a shrug

Corby Lib Dems are backing local residents and campaigners who have done so much to ensure this tradition continues. What is missing is not community will. It is a council willing to sit down at the table with them and unlock the things only a council can unlock: the site, the licences, the road closures, the safety plan, and a route to sponsorship.

Alex Lock, local Lib Democrat Champion said:

“The people of Corby stood up and were counted for. Within days of hearing the fireworks were for the chop, residents had a petition running and a campaign group up. That is our town at its best, and it deserves better than being told to try again next year.”

He added:

“NNC says it wants a community-led event. Corby Town Council says it does not have the staff to run one alone. Both may be right — but neither of those statements gets a single firework into the sky. These councils must back all efforts by the community, including with money and by expediting process such as a Safety Advisory Group.”

“A £45,000 event is not a rounding error, but nor is it beyond a council with a £400 million budget working alongside sponsors and a community campaign that has already proved how much support is out there. Asda sponsored this display in 1984. The idea that no business in Corby would put its name to it in 2026 has not been tested in public.”

On the handling of the decision, Alex said:

“What residents will not forgive is being briefed against behind closed doors while the parties argue among themselves. Corby is not a bargaining chip in somebody else’s internal row. Publish the costings, publish the decision, get everyone in a room, and let the town see who is actually trying to save this.”

What Corby Liberal Democrats are calling for

The party is calling on NNC and CTC to take five practical steps, jointly and immediately:

• Convene an open meeting within 14 days bringing together the residents’ campaign, CTC, NNC officers, the emergency services and potential sponsors, with a published note of what was agreed.
• Commit in principle to a large single free display for the 5^th November 2026 as per the Save Corby Fireworks campaign’s efforts
• Offer in-kind support rather than only cash — event management expertise, the existing safety and traffic plans, licensing and road-closure support, and use of council land and equipment. NNC has already said it will share its knowledge and experience; that offer needs to be turned into named officers and dates.
• Underwrite any financial shortfall as a backstop, jointly between NNC and CTC, so that sponsors and volunteers are not asked to carry the entire financial risk of a first community-run year.
• Publish the full cost breakdown, the safety requirements driving the increase, and the decision record, so residents can see for themselves what is and is not achievable and hold both councils to it.

Chris Stanbra, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Corby Town Council added:

“Corby Town Council does not have the statutory powers or the staffing of a unitary authority. It already delivers a full annual programme of events including Pride, the Spirit of Corby awards and Remembrance and it is adding to those events every year. Clearly the lead responsibility sits with NNC, which inherited the event, however, CTC can and should act as the convenor and local champion the community campaign needs. CTC should also be ready to help with money if that is what is needed. Not a blank cheque, but a contribution, along with others, that ensures Corby’s Fireworks continue. If that financial contribution from the Town Council is needed and an urgent decision is called for then Town Councillors must be ready to convene a meeting to make that decision as soon as it is required.”

The party is also urging residents to sign the petition, join the community campaign, and write to their NNC ward councillors and to Corby Town Council before the planning window for a November event closes.

Alex concluded:

“This is not really about fireworks. It is about whether the Leadership at either council is willing to fight for the things that make Corby feel like Corby. Half a century of tradition should not end in an email. Sit down with local campaigners, and let’s get it done.”

Job Title: Campaigns Organiser (Harpenden and Berkhamsted)

Salary range: £23,850 - £25,000

Location: Hybrid; some days home-based, but predominantly working in local party office in Harpenden.

Days: Full-time 36 hours. It is expected that the Campaigns Organiser will work to assist evening and weekend campaign activities on occasion, with time off in lieu to compensate.

Closing date: 9am 30th Aug 2026

Purpose of the job: 

Do you want to make the world around you a better place to live? Do you want to see your values making a real difference in peoples’ lives? Do you want to join Victoria Collins MP’s team, working directly with her to retain control of Harpenden and Berkhamsted after her historic win in the 2024 General Election? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, this role may be the perfect opportunity for you! 

The Harpenden and Berkhamsted Liberal Democrats are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who can play a key role in building volunteer infrastructure, creating leaflets and organising doorstep activity – to support our fast-paced campaign. The role will be pivotal to our success in the next General Election, where the Liberal Democrats are defending this crucial seat against a tough Conservative challenge, as well as future local elections here. The role will also look to build on Victoria Collins MP’s strong result in the 2024 UK General Election.

As Campaigns Organiser, you will be communicating with volunteers about upcoming campaign activities, recruiting and triaging new volunteers, designing campaign leaflets and arranging their distribution, coordinating constituency doorknocking efforts, and working together with respective campaign teams to steer our campaigning efforts, including working with Victoria Collins MP. 

These tasks will require strong organisational and communication skills, a welcoming attitude, and the confidence to work with and engage volunteers.  

The successful candidate will be highly motivated by hitting targets, and proactive in keeping the pace of the campaign, getting stuck in on a range of different tasks and getting things done.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. To assist the Campaign Team in Harpenden and Berkhamsted in strategic planning and campaign organisation
2. To organise volunteers and local party workers to deliver the campaign plan, by:
   1. Recruiting, training, managing and mobilising volunteers
   2. Leading volunteer teams on campaigning activities (doorstep, online, telephone and delivery)
3. To ensure the delivery of a programme of doorstep and telephone voter contact
4. To oversee and contribute to the production of literature as per the local party literature plan, both local and constituency wide
5. To build and develop digital campaigning capacity alongside key volunteers
6. To organise volunteers to enter data in the online database, taking into consideration confidentiality and data retention rules. The organiser may also be required to enter data in the absence of such volunteers
7. To line manage any supporting staff and interns
8. To assist the fundraising team to a limited extent, as allowed by other duties
9. To undertake such training as is recommended to develop and update required skills
10. To undertake such other duties as the line manager may require furthering effective communication, campaigning and organisation in the area.

Overall Aims

To support the work of the local Liberal Democrats so that:

• The local party’s membership and volunteer base grows and thrives;
• The local party’s capacity to fight elections is increased including planning towards the next district elections;
• We can win every seat in the constituency at the next local elections
• We can win Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency at the next Parliamentary election

Person specification

Essential

• Strong organisational and self-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and maintain the confidence of a wide variety of stakeholders.   
• Strong drive to recruit, mobilise and manage volunteers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" attitude and resilience in pressured/difficult situations.       
• Ability to motivate and manage a team of people and work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to work unsupervised and effectively prioritise from a wide variety of tasks.
• Ability to meet deadlines.                  
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to delegate effectively.
• Good digital skills and willingness to learn new software/apps and media: social media, ability to update web sites, ability to use a variety of specialised software e.g. desktop publishing, video subtitling.
• Sympathetic to Liberal Democrat aims and/or values.
• Possession of driving licence and access to a vehicle, given the geographical nature of the constituency.

Desirable

• Understanding and experience of election campaigns and management.
• Knowledge of the local area, its politics and local communities.
• Ability to produce effective political literature.
• Ability to spot issues with campaigning potential.
• Ability to work with the local media and generate positive coverage for the party and its representatives.

Starting date: ASAP.  

How to apply:  

Please read through the job description to learn more about the role before applying and take a few minutes to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Forms (information from which is confidential and not shared with the panel), then proceed with your application.

Please submit:  

• A full CV of no more than two pages, with full employment history, and including a telephone number and email address
• A covering letter (no more than one A4 page) setting out why you want the job and how your experience and skills are relevant to it.
• Details of two referees, including one from your current or most recent employer (if applicable).  

to Spencer Caminsky at spencer.caminsky@libdems.org.uk and hblibdems@gmail.com with the subject line: Application – Campaigns Organiser (H+B).

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.  

Please note:  We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.  

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.  

The Party  believes  it  is  essential  to  foster  equity,  equality,  diversity  and  inclusion  within  our workforce.  We want our employees  to  thrive  in  an  environment  where  everyone  is  welcome and  supported  to  achieve  their  potential.  It is  important  to  celebrate  what  makes  us  unique  and that  you  feel  valued,  appreciated  and  free  to  be  who  you  are.

At the Full Council meeting on the 6th of August, Conservative councillors chose once again to recklessly gamble with the future of Spelthorne's finances. Having bequeathed a one billion pound debt to the current administration, as a result of previous irresponsible gambling, Conservative Councillors voted to gamble yet again. Fortunately wiser heads prevailed this time & the government appointed commissioners intervened to ensure that the previously agreed debt reduction plan should proceed without delay.

Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council, Cllr Greg Neall said, "We welcome the financially responsible decision taken by the commissioners. Councillors should not be gambling with Spelthorne's future. Fortunately for residents the Conservatives are no longer in charge of Spelthorne's finances."

The Federal Council met online on Tuesday 4 August 2026. The Council is responsible for scrutinising the work of the Federal Board, including ensuring that decisions are taken in line with the Party Strategy agreed by Conference, and for considering any Federal Board decisions which are 'called in' by members of the Council.

Federal People Development Committee
The main item of the meeting was a presentation from Ellie Hudspith, the new Chair of the Federal People and Development Committee (FPDC). She set out the committee's structure, its current priorities, and its work programme for the year ahead.

The committee is establishing a number of subcommittees and has recently introduced a new whistleblowing policy, which has been adopted by the Federal Board. Applications are now open for members to serve as investigators under the policy. The Chair also described the committee's work to support members and Associated Organisations, including plans to update the party's Boost Guide, to improve how the party gathers and acts on members' experiences, and to open up a wider range of ways for members to volunteer and get involved.

Members raised a number of questions about equality and diversity. These included how the party collects diversity data reflecting the protected characteristics under the Equality Act, and how that data supports the positive action measures agreed by Conference. Members also asked about training on protected characteristics. The Council heard that bite-sized training modules are already available through the party's campaign hub, and that the FPDC would work with the relevant teams to develop a fuller training strategy aligned with the new party strategy. Members also asked for clearer membership data, including gender breakdowns.

Members discussed the party's membership and the shared concern across the Council about the long term decline in numbers. The Chair of the FPDC will lead a new membership subcommittee to develop a coordinated membership strategy, drawing on best practice from across the party, including the state parties. Members welcomed this focus, and emphasised the importance of growing the party's membership rather than relying on further increases in membership fees.

Strengthening the Council's scrutiny of the Federal Board
A substantial part of the meeting was given over to how Federal Council can carry out its scrutiny role more effectively, particularly the process by which Federal Board decisions are 'called in' for review.

Members agreed that better communication between ourselves would help the Council to respond promptly when the Federal Board takes a decision. This may include holding informal drop-in sessions during the period in which a decision can be called in. The Council also discussed whether the current thresholds and timescales for calling in and overturning decisions remain appropriate, and whether any changes to the Federal Constitution should be proposed in the future.

The Council discussed the timing of its meetings in relation to Federal Board meetings and decisions, agreeing that a shorter gap (two weeks maximum) allows decisions to be scrutinised more promptly. The Federal Board may hold additional meetings, and will notify the Council of decisions by email as soon as they are made, so that scrutiny can begin at the earliest opportunity. Members also agreed that meetings should be avoided the week running up to Christmas.

Other business
The Council noted proposed dates for future meetings, and agreed to arrange an informal meet-up of Federal Council members at the party's Autumn Conference in Brighton.

by Councillor Tim Pickstone