New Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg promises to speak for the people of Ashford

9.00.00pm GMT Wed 19th Dec 2007

Standing up for local people - Clegg

New Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP today promised to give a voice to the people of Ashford who feel ignored by politicians.

Setting out his priorities after being elected as party leader on December 18th, Nick Clegg, said:

"I am greatly honoured to have been chosen by my fellow party members to be the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

"Throughout the country Liberal Democrats are already working hard to reach out to local people and listen to their concerns. In my leadership I will be taking that spirit nationwide, moving beyond party politics and making liberalism connect with the millions of people who share our values.

"Labour and the Conservatives have failed Britain's families. I will lead my party to change politics, and change Britain, for the better. Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to giving local people a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, by shifting power away from Westminster and back to local communities.

"I will fight for a fair deal for Britain's families, campaign tirelessly to cut crime, and improve our NHS so it delivers the care people need."

Commenting Chris Took, Ashford's Parliamentary candidate said:

"I'm delighted with what Nick Clegg said in his acceptance speech. I have made no secret of the fact that I backed Chris Huhne but Nick, in promising to stand up for local people, has identified where we are strongest and where the Tories and Labour are the most aloof. The time has come for a politician and who will speak up for real people and local communities."