Nick Clegg New Lib Dem Leader and Pledges to Deliver for Shepway

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

Nick Clegg beat Chris Huhne to become the new Lib Dem leader in two years - in a contest which turned out to be even closer than expected - winning 20,988 votes to the 20,477 votes cast for Mr Huhne.

Setting out his priorities after being elected as party leader, 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.

"The challenge for my party is clear and simple: to define a liberal alternative to the discredited politics of Big Government.

"I want to open up my party, open up Westminster, and open up politics for good.

"To lead well, a leader needs to listen. That's why I will hold regular and public Town Hall Meetings. That's why I want to open up the Liberal Democrats to give people who support us, but aren't members, a say on the big issues.

"That's why I will spend at least one day every week listening and campaigning outside Westminster. That's why I will set up a network of real families, who have nothing to do with party politics, in every region of this country to advise me on what they think should be my priorities.

"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 Shepway Lib Dem leader, Lynne Beaumont, said:

"I think Nick Clegg is going to be a young, dynamic leader who will be great for our Party. It was great to see him when he visited us in Shepway and we could see what a talent he was. The time has come for a national politician who will speak up for real people and local communities - like ours in Shepway."