Fair points: Lib-Dems set out their strategy

Reporter: Janice Barker
Date online: 20 January 2010

Pledge on taxes, jobs, children and politics

Liberal Democrats will campaign locally on four priorities when the general election is called this year: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair and clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last, the party said today.

The Lib-Dems spokesman in Oldham East and Saddleworth, Elwyn Watkins, said: “I am going into the election with a clear direction and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point.

“We will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else.

“If your child is at school in Oldham East and Saddleworth, we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition.

“We would also give you the right to sack your MP.

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150.

“And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs.

“We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure businesses in Oldham, Royton, Saddleworth, Lees and Shaw & Crompton can find the money they need to grow.

“The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for Oldham East & Saddleworth.”

A general election has to be called by June 3 this year.