"I have just resigned from the Board of a Primary Care Trust to contest
this election. I know that the delivery of the government's targets for out of hours
cover would be completely shattered without the work of Locum doctors.You have my complete support in your case to the DOH and NHS for recognition and negotiating rights."

"As an active trade union officer myself, I understand the need for all members of a workforce to be properly represented. If you are, as you say, being excluded from negotiations that effect your pay and conditions, then I cannot help but feel that is wrong. Therefore, I have little hesitation in expressing my support for your campaign to be included within negotiations with the Department of Health and NHS."

Alan Bullion Liberal Democrat candidate Hammersmith and Fulham

" I would like to offer a message of support as Lib Dem candidate for Hammersmith and Fulham. I fully support your fight for further recognition.
I am fully committed to the future of Locum and NHS services at all local hospitals in Hammersmith and Fulham..."

R. Mark Clayton Liberal Democrat candidate for Worsley

"The Liberal Democrats support the right of workers to organise and be represented by trade unions. As the NHS is a public employer it would therefore be public policy that representative trade unions be recognised and granted negotiating rights."

Cllr Andrew Duffield Parliamentary Candidate Hexham Liberal Democrats

"I am very happy to support the LDA in its campaign for recognition. Good luck and many thanks to the locum doctors who have treated me on several occasions!"

Claire Potter Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Worthing West

Thank you for contacting us.We fully support your work and look forward to working with you should our Candidate be elected to the constituency of Worthing West.Please feel free to pass on our details to members in our area and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss specific local concerns."

Chris Took Ashford Liberal Democrats

"I fully support your cause. Recognition of Locum Doctors as an essential part of the NHS workforce will substantially help to debunk occasional reports of unsuitable doctors working illegally. "

Liz Ingleton Lib Dem Canidate for Calder Valley

"I agree with your request that the interests of locum doctors should be better represented. We rely on you to keep the NHS going."

Jane Carr, Parliamentary Candidate, Liberal Democrats, North East Milton Keynes,

"Thank you for raising this important issue, something I was not aware of before. Certainly food for thought and an area that I feel I can offer my support"

Michael Taylor Lib Dem candidate Halifax

"I have always supported trades unions seeking recognition. As a member
of a Trades Union and Branch Chair of my College's NATFE Branch you have
my full support in your fight for recognition with the DoH and the NHS."

Paul Rowen Lib Dem Candidate Rochdale

"Thanks for your email. I am happy to support your demand that your association be recognized as a Trade Union and have full negotiating rights. If elected I will be happy to lend my support to your campaign."

Stephen Newton Liberal Democrat Candidate Great Yarmouth

" I was not aware of these issues and it is very disturbing and disappointing to learn about this situation.I would be very happy to support your aims and objectives"

Fiona Hornby Liberal Democrat candidate for Devizes

"I am happy to support your claim for recognition and negotiating rights with
DOH and NHS, locum doctors provide an essential service within the NHS and
should be properly represented"

Sandra Gidley Liberal Democrat candidate for Romsey and Deputy spokesperson in the Health team 2001-02. In the 2001-2005 Parliament, Member of the Health Select Committee.

"The Liberal Democrats recognise the valuable role played by locum doctors in the NHS. Locum doctors face specific issues of discrimination and working conditions which are often very different from other groups of doctors. It is therefore very important that they have representation of their specific needs in contract negotiations. We would work to ensure that the views of locum doctors are fairly represented in all negotiations and consultations on policy decisions."

Geyve Walker Parliamentary Candidate for Penrith and the Border Liberal Democrats

"I should be happy to support the campaign of the LDA for recognition and negotiating rights with the Department of Health and the NHS."

The Scottish Liberal Democrats would like to express the following view in
relation to your campaign :

"The Liberal Democrats recognise the valuable role played by locum doctors in
the NHS. Locum doctors face specific issues of discrimination and working
conditions which are often very different from other groups of doctors. It
is therefore very important that they have representation of their specific
needs in contract negotiations. We would work to ensure that the views of
locum doctors are fairly represented in all negotiations and consultations
on policy decisions."

David Drew Labour & Cooperative Party Candidate for Stroud Constituency

" I am very happy to add my support for the LDA as I welcome the opportunity to say how much I value the work of locums."

Bill Schardt Liberal Democrat candidate for Jarrow

" I believe that the LDA should have negotiating rights with the NHS because locum doctors are a distinct and very valuable group of NHS workers who are not represented adequately."

John McDonnell Labour Candidate for Hayes & Harlington

"I know what an invaluable role that locums play in my community and that is
why I support greater recognition for them and a greater say for them in
developing health services."

Brian Cotter, PPC for Weston-super-Mare and Liberal Democrat DTI spokesman.

"I certainly agree that locum doctors have suffered from an absence of the
rights enjoyed by other doctors. With this in mind I am glad to support the
Locum Doctor's Association in it's campaign for improved negotiating
rights".

David Drew Labour & Cooperative Party Candidate for Stroud Constituency

" I am very happy to add my support for the LDA as I welcome the
opportunity to say how much I value the work of locums."

Mark Krantz, Respect candidate, Stretford and Urmston, Manchester.

" Dear friends at the LDA,

Full support to your drive for recognition of locum doctors in the NHS. Those working in such an important service which is part of the backbone of our NHS deserve respect and recognition. "

On behalf of Charles Kennedy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party and candidate for Ross,Skye and Lochaber
" The Liberal Democrats recognise the valuable role played by locum doctors in
the NHS..." (further support offered).

Parmjit Gill Liberal Democrat candidate for Leicester South

" I fully support your application."

James Doyle Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate East Worthing & Shoreham

Dear Shehnaz

" I support your campaign"

Alistair Burt
Conservative Candidate for NE Bedfordshire

"Thank you for the e-mail. As the son of a GP I am well aware of the excellent work of locums, and of their crucial presence in the NHS.

I will consider carefully the matters in your e-mail after 5th May if I am successful in my election."

Michael Lavalette
Respect Parliamentary candidate, Preston Constituency

" fully support the campaign for full trade union recognition for the LDA. With the increased marketisation in the NHS there has been a growth in the number of locum doctors at practices - on contracts of varying lengths - but with few of the perks and advantages of partners. Locum doctors need representation to protect their rights as employees within the NHS."

Patsy Calton Liberal Democrat candidate for Cheadle

" I am very happy to support the campaign. All workers in the NHS should enjoy the same rights and obligations"

Sal Brinton Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Watford

"I believe that the proposals of the LDA are a sound approach to providing the right support for Locum Doctors, and I welcome your manifesto. Locums are the absolute bedrock to keeping the NHS going, are you are the unsung heroes of the service."

Chris Bramall Liberal Democrat candidate, Stourbridge

" The Liberal Democrats recognise the valuable role played by locum doctors in the NHS. Locum doctors face specific issues of discrimination and working conditions which are often very different from other groups of doctors. It is therefore very important that they have representation of their specific needs in contract negotiations. We would work to ensure that the views of locum doctors are fairly represented in all negotiations and consultations on policy decisions."

Sandra J Lawman Liberal Democrat Candidate Croydon South

" I am keen to support people who work withing the NHS, many of whose work goes unrecognised."

Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

"Locum doctors make a fantastic and invaluable contribution to our National Health Service. We need to recognise this contribution and guarantee locums the same rights of representation as any other doctor."