Lib Dems call for General Election and radical change to UK politics

5.16.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Jun 2009

Ashford Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Candidate Chris Took has added his voice to calls for an early General Election and the ousting of this Labour government.

"We need radical, dynamic change. This won't be delivered by Gordon Brown and his divided cabinet. Nor will change be delivered by the leader of a Conservative party - a party

that has just elected 88% of Kent's County Councillors on 50% of the vote.

"For the first time since the SDP in the 1980's people are demanding change on a dramatic scale. Following the expenses scandal it is clear that political revolution, not evolution,

is necessary to restore trust in the political system.

"We need fixed four year parliamentary terms. Why should the Prime Minister have the power to choose when you or I vote?

We need the power of recall - much like in the US - where local people can 'vote again' if their local representative lets them down badly.

"We also need to change the voting system to check the power of the 'leading' party. The opposition should have greater scrutiny powers. Local people should have a greater say

over local decisions and local government should be freed of 'one size fits all' targets.

"This agenda for change has been outlined by Nick Clegg MP and Liberal Democrats across the country.

"Labour's share of the vote in Europe was the lowest any governing party has ever achieved and the party's worst showing in any election since after the First World War.

"The Liberal Democrats have every chance, with your support, to change our system for the better. If you can help us in Ashford please do get in touch."