Today it has been announced that the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners (ALDC) has conferred Life Membership upon activist, election and by-election talisman Erlend Watson.
This follows the announcement from Erlend that his health prognosis is poor following a sustained period in The Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge.
ALDC President, Baroness Scott of Needham Market said:
Behind every successful Lib Dem campaign there is a vast amount of behind of the scenes work. Erlend has given so much to campaigns all over the country for very many years doing the essential jobs which make a campaign.
He doesn’t just work tirelessly himself but is full of encouraging words for others and is a font of knowledge especially for younger people just starting their journey with the Party. His commitment to Liberalism is profound, and a beacon to us all.
It is perhaps appropriate to note that Erlend was born in 1963 – at precisely the date at which ALDC was coming into existence and a consensus was emerging that the party needed an independent body for local government and local campaigning. ALDC and Erlend have a shared existence and his work over decades has been in the support and advocacy of local government.
In the West Country, in Poole and Dorset, in Watford, Three Rivers, St Albans and Hertfordshire, in Medway and Kent, in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, in Norwich and Norfolk Erlend has been a key part of our election success and our story.
Indeed, in hundreds of wards and divisions across the UK Erlend has been a liberal force for good, encouraging people, friends, new members and their campaigns. In making this announcement today ALDC has reflected his work and his impact for grassroots Liberal Democrats.
Editor’s Note: Yesterday, the Young Liberals accorded honorary life membership to Erlend. You can read more here.
* Ed Fordham is a Former Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Hampstead and Highgate 2005, Hampstead and Kilburn 2010 and currently Group Leader on Derbyshire County Council.
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10 Comments
That is excellent news from ALDC. Erland is a campaigner like no other: committed; caring; tireless.
Delighted to see this.
I love reading how my work has helped our team effort. Some of my work is self satisfying (I am a bit vain) but like being a team member.
I am sorry to hear Erlland has health issues
And I join in with colleagues to wish him well on his road to recovery
He is in the best hands possible at Papworrh Hospital
I am very pleased that ALDC has honoured Eeland with a life time membership
That said it does prompt me to ask why the Party has not recognised Erlend’s contribution
Maybe someone in the leadership team at Party HQ can explain
Surely Erlend deserves at least an MBE for services to public service
A really lovely and fitting tribute. I think I last saw you, Erlend, at Sheffield. And my abiding memory was you working hard and keeping the team cheerful at the 1995 Islwyn by-election. There was a period when you were, by chance, first person (that I knew) who I bumped into at by-elections and conferences. Your farewell is incredibly and typically brave, and most welcome and very, well, Erlendish! A friend’s description of you dancing on the tables in your kilt in a certain bar will remain with me ’til my end. Thank you for being our election talisman and walking election encyclopedia!
That is a lovely thing to do – and more than deserved. We are so fortunate to have Erland as one of our number – exemplifying what we are all about xx
Erland, it deeply saddened me to read how unwell you are and your prognosis. This is sadly only too familiar to me. It has been a privilege to have worked alongside you and to have enjoyed your wry sense of humour as well as your unswerving commitment to the cause over the years. It really has been a case of no by-election was ever complete without you being there to see it over the line. Can I assure you of one thing, the flame is not extinguished and the fight against the forces of darkness will go on undiminished. It’s our promise to you.
Erlend your farewell message (quoted on the other thread Forever a Young Liberal) moved me to tears. You will be missed by so many and remembered fondly by all.
So very mixed news, nice to read Erlend has been honoured, so very sorry to hear about his health.
Your work is held in trust with us all Erlend and we will not let you down.