Nick Clegg MP elected Liberal Democrat Leader

2.30.00am GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Sue Doughty

Welcoming the news of Nick Clegg's election to the leadership of the Lib Dems, Sue Doughty, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Guildford said:

"This is good news for the party and good news for the people of Britain. Throughout his campaign Nick has demonstrated his ambition for a fairer, safer Britain. I believe that politics has gone through a very bad patch, but that Nick Clegg will give people reason to have faith in politicians again."

Sue added " The time for the party to be looking inwards on itself is now over and we will be out there bringing our messages to people, and more important, listening to their views. I'm very much looking forward to the New Year and a new approach."

Setting out his priorities after being elected as party leader on December 18th, 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.

"Throughout the Country Liberal Democrats are already working hard to reach out to local people and listen to their concerns. In my leadership I will be taking that spirit nationwide, moving beyond party politics and making liberalism connect with the millions of people who share our values.

"Labour and the Conservatives have failed Britain's families. I will lead my party to change politics, and change Britain, for the better. Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to giving people a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, by shifting power away from Westminster and back to local communities.

"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."