The Conservative Party in Blackpool: Lib Dem 'danger in the South'

TORY ANXIETY about the threat posed by the Liberal Democrats across southern England was voiced by Gillian Shephard, Minister of Agriculture, who told the conference that the party neglected rural areas at its peril.

The Liberal Democrats were more dangerous to the party than Labour, she said. They were 'more devious . . . making their bid for power throughout rural Britain . . . masquerading as a country party and the farmers' friend'.