Anthony Butcher

The Liberal Democrats will fight the next General Election on a ‘radical manifesto’ that will mark an end to the ‘old politics’ embodied by both Tory and Labour, the party’s autumn conference was told by Steve Webb MP, who chairs the Manifesto Writing Group.
In his speech to the conference today (Monday 17th, 11.55am), Steve Webb announced he is to hold meetings with every Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member to agree their sections of the manifesto before handing a draft copy to Menzies Campbell at the end of the conference.
Steve Webb said:
“People I meet are fed up with the kind of politics that has bedevilled this country. Whether Labour or the Tories have been in power it has been the same: short-term gimmicks, centralisation and secrecy.
“It is time to sweep away the old ways and to bring in a ‘New Politics’ – a liberal and democratic style of politics that the country needs.”
Steve Webb cited his use of the website Facebook, used to keep in touch with over 1000 young constituents as an example of the ‘New Politics’. The manifesto process has also been the most consultative ever, with a dedicated consultation website for party members – manifesto.libdems.org.uk –which has been up and running for six months.
Steve Webb said:
“When I respond to people who contact me and I get things done for them, they are often amazed that a politician is even interested in them. Younger people in particular are cynical about politicians and if we are not careful they will never see the political process as a way to bring about change. That is why I believe that it is vital that we harness the power of the internet – with all its limitations – to lower the barriers between politicians and the people who elect them.”


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