WITH local elections in Ipswich now less than two weeks away, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy visited the region to put fire into the bellies of his supporters.

By Paul Geater

WITH local elections in Ipswich now less than two weeks away, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy visited the region to put fire into the bellies of his supporters.

Mr Kennedy spoke to the Evening Star as he travelled to Norwich for a series of engagements.

And he said his party was targeting Ipswich as a potential growth area after making major gains in Norwich, Cambridge, and Colchester over the last 15 years.

The Liberal Democrats have little chance of winning power at Civic Centre this year – although they could hold the balance of power if Labour and the Conservatives win a similar number of seats.

"We put in a really good performance in the by-election in November, and we are looking to build on that in these local elections," said Mr Kennedy.

"The Liberal Democrats have a distinctive voice to offer to towns like Ipswich – and once elected we get a good reputation.

"Certainly we are looking to build up our strength on the council," Mr Kennedy added.

He visited the town twice during the by-election campaign, in which his party increased its vote.

"We put some good foundations in place then – there is no reason why Ipswich should not be as good for us as other East Anglian towns and cities," he said.