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

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 Arundel & South Downs 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 the people of Arundel & South Downs 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.”

Commenting Derek Deedman, chairman of Arundel & South Downs Liberal Democrats said:

“Nick Clegg is going to be a great leader. Labour and the Conservatives share so many policies. The time has come for a politician who will speak up for real people and local communities - like ours in Arundel & South Downs.

With ballot papers for the Liberal Democrat leadership election going out Wednesday next week, we have a veritable feast of different hustings and media appearances by Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne.On Thursday, November 15th at 10:35pm on BBC1 there is a Question Time Special with Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg, followed on Sunday, November 18th, at 12.00 pm on BBC1, with them going head-to-head on the Politics Show with Jon Sopel.

Online hustings
You can also question both candidates direct via two online hustings. Visit http://forum.libdems.org.uk to post up a question and read the candidates’ answers (you need to be a current party member to take part in this). Or you can take part in our special YouTube hustings at http://youtubehustings.notlong.com

The idea is very simple – you film yourself asking a question, send it in and then Nick and Chris are filmed answering the best. Watch the clip at http://youtubehustings.notlong.com to find out more.

The closest meeting to the Arundel and South Downs area will be on 19 November, starting at 7pm at the River of Life Church, 19a Broadwater Road, Worthing.

All Lib Dem members will be able to attend to listen and to be able to ask questions of the two candidates, Nick Clegg MP and Chris Huhne MP.

Derek Deedman and other leading Lib Dem campaigners from the Arundel & South Downs area will be there. If any Lib Dem supporters, who are not members, would like to have specific questions asked of the two candidates please contact Derek Deedman via this website with their question for him to ask on their behalf at the meeting.