23/09/2009

Lib Dem 'Not A Wasted Vote' Says Clegg

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has urged discontented Labour voters to switch to 'yellow' rather than 'blue'.

Mr Clegg, speaking from his party's conference in Bournemouth, said a vote for the Lib Dems was not a wasted one, claiming the Tories should not be allowed to 'sleepwalk' into government.

"You don't think we're contenders. I urge you to think again," he told party delegates.

Mr Clegg said those who believe change can only be achieved by voting Conservative should reconsider.

He has come under some in-party criticism for his his apparent 'u-turn' on policy to abolish university fees.

Others have accused him of preaching "doom and gloom" over spending cut proposals.

In what was described as a 'serious' speech, Mr Clegg said internal polls show the next general election is "open wide", proving there is a chance the Lib Dems could form a new government.

"If you supported Labour in 1997 because you wanted fairness, you wanted young people to flourish, you wanted political reform, you wanted the environment protected, or you simply believed in a better future, turn to the Liberal Democrats," he said.

"I know there are people who agree with a lot of what we've got to say, but who still don't vote Liberal Democrat. You don't think we're contenders. I urge you to think again."

He said the Tories offered "fake change" while his party provides the opportunity for "real change".

(PR/KMcA)

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