A New Spring

Our MPs have been clear and clean on the expenses scandal. No LibDem MP has "flipped". No LibDem MP from London has claimed for a second home. Spring conference however is the right time to set out how we intend to proceed with the general election firmly in our sights.

The message is clear. What we believe is needed is a fairer Britain - fair taxes, a fair start, a fair future and a fair deal - all backed with clear policies. This can only be achieved by change and that change must mean more power to Liberal Democrats.

In the media we are being pressed to commit to supporting either Labour or the Conservatives should there be a hung parliament.

This is not how we see it. We are only prepared to work together on our terms and to our beliefs. Liberal Democrats are just that, not Labour or Conservative. We cannot be judged by the colour of our clothing.

I do not intend to restrict myself to wearing yellow for the next seven weeks. This is a general election not a fashion show and I want voters to take careful note of what we are saying, not what we are wearing.

I ask everyone to take note of what we are saying now because that is not only what we are campaigning on but what we will do in government. No false pledges, just a clear message. Vote Liberal Democrat '“ get Liberal Democrat.