What coalition means for Hertfordshire

10.52.02am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th May 2010

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Chris White welcomed the new coalition government this morning and said: 'This is an opportunity to show that political parties can work together provided they have a transparently agreed programme based on principles rather than personalities.

'The new government gives an opportunity to the county to recover from the economic crisis in which we find ourselves. Moreover, the move to fair votes will ensure that the voice of Hertfordshire people is properly heard at national and local level.'

But he warned: 'This does not mean that we will backpedal in any way in our criticism of the failures of the Conservatives at county hall. Their dismal record on controlling costs, on repairing potholes and providing school places is just as bad today as it was yesterday and a year ago. We will continue to campaign for competence at county hall.'