Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg a big hit with Sutton residents

9.38.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

LIB DEM leader Nick Clegg was in Sutton last week as part of his town hall speaking tour.

Clegg spent some time on the streets of Sutton ahead of the public meeting last Thursday, 23 April.

Over 300 borough residents gathered at the SCOLA centre, next to the civic centre, to grill Clegg on a range of issues including the recession, public services and crime. The party leader spent over two hours answering questions.

He praised Lib Dem treasury spokesman Vince Cable for commanding widespread respect for his approach to the economic crisis. Clegg also congratulated the local Lib Dem council in Sutton for helping people cope with recent hardships, including investing in citizens advice.

Clegg vowed to return to Sutton in the near future. After the public meeting local Lib Dem MPs Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) and Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington), and Clegg, chatted to residents.