Lib Dems laugh off 'party of posh Pimm's drinkers' jibe after taking control of councils in leafy 'Boden Belt'
The Lib Dems have laughed off suggestions that they were wooing 'Pimm's drinkers' and dominating the 'Boden Belt' after taking control of councils in leafy, traditionally Tory areas.
The party celebrated wins across swathes of the Home Counties and southern England, and became the largest party in Devon, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Wiltshire.
Leader Sir Ed Davey had earlier claimed the Lib Dems were now 'the party of Middle England'.
But on yesterday's Radio 4 Today programme, the party's education spokesman, Munira Wilson, was asked about whether the Lib Dems had replaced the Tories as 'the party of the posh'.
This was a reference to a recent Spectator article which suggested they represent 'constituencies where Britain's bourgeoisie are most comfortable', adding: 'Everywhere Pimm's is served, a Lib Dem is the local MP.
'They dominate the Boden Belt. Even the Tories despair that the Lib Dems are the real 'party of the posh'.'
In response, Twickenham MP Ms Wilson said: 'We are the party that believes in integrity and respect, and the value of community. That's what Middle England is.
'You will find Liberal Democrats, yes, in the south of England; yes, in the West Country.
'But we put up a very strong showing in the north of England . . . running Reform close in Hull and East Yorkshire.'
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