DENNIS IAN WRIGLEY and why I became a Liberal.

I was 14 in 1966, living in New Mills. For those who don't know it, it is at the top left corner of High Peak. Quite a bright spark for a girl from such a working-class family, daughter of a builder's labourer and part-time factory worker, who always voted Labour. I'd got a scholarship to a "posh" girls' school, but never quite learned how to be "posh". I went to the local Youth Club, that so-called "den of iniquity" that reputedly attracted yobbos and louts (mostly male, by definition). I never believed those labels. I never met any yobbos or louts there, just ordinary teenagers. Yeah, lots from the council estate. So what? I'd spent 10 years with mates from the council estate. Most of my relatives lived on council estates. Great places to be back then.

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Obituary: Dennis Wrigley

Dennis Wrigley, who died last week, was an inspirational pioneer in the rejuvenation of the Young Liberals and the Liberal Party in the Manchester region and the North West during the 1950s and 1960s. Dennis came to national prominence in the High Peak by-election in 1961, in the year before Orpington. A combination of the rising national Liberal vote, a lot of outside help including Manchester students and YLs, and Dennis's personal charisma and campaigning energy produced a Liberal vote of 30.5%, narrowly third but up by more than 10% from the General election in 1959. He contested the seat at the following three General Elections, polling well but never as well as at the by-election.

TG
18 Nov 2015
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Nick Clegg: My family are up in arms over ham but I’m raging over sugar

Eating too much red meat may mean an increased risk of cancer but it's sugar that poses a far greater threat My in-laws were not happy. Not happy at all. Last week, the World Health Organisation published a report about the link between red processed meat and cancer. What the scientists behind the report did not realise was that in Spain they had unwittingly insulted a national treasure: Iberico ham.

NCMP
6 Nov 2015
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Standing up for people affected by MS

High Peak Liberal Democrat PPC Stephen Worrall is supporting the campaign to improve awareness and support for MS sufferers. Over 100,000 people in the UK live with MS, a neurological condition thataffects roughly three times as many women as men.It's essential that they have timely access to the right treatment, care and support, no matter where they live. Unfortunately, this is not happening. Awareness of the condition is abysmally low, and for people with MS, accessing the right support can be a daily battle.

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UK Lib Dem news

Satellite in orbit
Science & Technology

A New Hope for the Space Industry

Space is no longer science fiction – it underpins our economy, security, and daily lives. Our new policy will renew the National Space Strategy, support UK spaceports and hubs, and designate space as a strategic industry.

VC
23 Sep 2025
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Man facing away from the camera with arms open as child runs towards him
Migration

Building a Fair Asylum System

The UK’s asylum system is failing, leaving people fleeing conflict stuck in temporary housing, unable to work, and separated from their loved ones. Our new policy gives practical solutions to clear up the broken system left by the Conservatives.

LS
23 Sep 2025
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A hand holding a mobile phone
Science & Technology

A Liberal Vision for Digital Rights

The Online Safety Act was meant to protect people, yet its flawed implementation risks undermining privacy, free expression, and secure communication. Our new policy addresses our concerns and fights for a digital future where rights are protected.

VC
23 Sep 2025
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High Peak Liberal Democrats AGM Notice 7.30pm, 4 December 2024

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