Eastleigh's Huhne puts fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat campaign

11.44.57am GMT Tue 12th Jan 2010

The Liberal Democrats have announced they will fight the General Election on four key principles designed to make Britain a fairer place.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne set out his campaign priorities: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.

Mr Huhne said:"People in Eastleigh constituency have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. This election is the big opportunity for the change that the country needs with a fresh start for our political system.

"We will introduce fairer taxes by taking everyone who earns less than £10,000 a year out of income tax, a £700 tax cut for anyone who earns more. It is only fair to concentrate help on those striving on low and middle incomes.

"If your child is at school in Eastleigh, 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 Eastleigh businesses can find the money they need to grow".

In his speech yesterday (Monday) Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg said:

"David Cameron and Gordon Brown are playing the politics of the airbrush and the focus group.

"One doesn't know what he believes. The other doesn't know what to do with the power he clings to so desperately.

"I believe the country wants something different. The Liberal Democrats are different. We offer credibility where it's needed. And hope for our common future."