LAST October, figures on poverty in Britain showed North East Lancs as one of the worst, with more than 30 per cent of our children living below the poverty line. Nationally, children living in poverty doubled under Thatcher, came down significantly under Labour, but is now back over Thatcher levels.

Most are living in working families struggling with low pay, too few hours, zero-hour contracts and unaffordable childcare.

Data from children’s charities shows that children living in poverty suffer worse health problems, a poorer start in education and finish with much lower exam results.

But you can do something about this.

I represented Barnoldswick on Pendle Council from 1982 to 1990 as a Liberal, chairing one of the six major committees for four years.

I have never voted other than Liberal.

This year, I will still be voting in the local elections for local LibDem candidates, but in the General Election it will be Labour.

Pendle and Rossendale are always marginal and a two horse race between Tories and Labour. We need to vote tactically.

No party is likely to get an overall majority. My ideal election result would be coalition of Labour and LibDems.

They may knock each other’s policies, but they share ideals of fairness, decency and a sense of responsibility for all in our society.

So, on behalf of ALL our country’s people, I appeal to the voters of Pendle and Rossendale, please join me in voting tactically for Labour in the General Election.

Mike Warner (by email)