Vote on May 6th

“In your heart of hearts you know that if either of the two old parties win this election, nothing will really change,” said the Liberal Democrat Leader this morning. Addressing a rally in Eastbourne this morning, Nick Clegg said: “In 24 hours we can change Britain forever.

“Change is possible and change is coming, if you choose it.

“Your vote can make the difference.

“In your heart of hearts you know that if either of the two old parties win this election, nothing will really change.

“You’ve been let down by them a hundred times before, you know how little to expect.

“We cannot let that happen.

“We cannot let politics as usual triumph.

“We can choose something different this time and we will choose something different this time.

“If change is what you want, don’t let anything or anyone stand in your way.

“It may be just a small cross on the ballot paper but it is a big opportunity.

“Yours may be just one vote but it could be the one that makes the difference: so use it.”

Last night was the final of the three televised Leaders’ debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy.

Most post-debate polls scored this final debate to David Cameron, but again put Nick Clegg clearly ahead of Gordon Brown. An analysis by pollsters Angus Reid of previously undecided voters who watched the debate gave Nick Clegg 37%, David Cameron 25%, Gordon Brown 22% and Not sure 16%. Angus Reid found that 32% of undecided voters say they are now more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats after watching the final debate, with just 18% Conservative and 15% Labour.

In his closing statement at the final leaders’ debate, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“Everything I’ve said during these three television debates is driven by my simple belief that if we do things differently this time, we can create a fairer, better Britain.

“As you decide how to cast your vote, of course you’ll be told by these two, that real change is dangerous, that it can’t be done.

“Don’t let anyone scare you from following your instincts. Together next week we can change Britain for good.

“Just think how many times you’ve been given lots of promises by these two old parties – only to discover when they get into Government that nothing really changes.

“We can do so much better than that this time.

“Of course I can’t guarantee that every problem you face will be solved overnight. But I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to deliver greater fairness for you.

“Fairer taxes, so that you pay less but people at the top pay their fair share.

“A fair start, smaller class sizes, for your children.

“A different approach to the economy.

“And open, decent politics which you can trust once again.

“I believe all this can happen. This is your election. This is your country.

“When you go to vote next week, choose the future you really want. If you believe like I do that we can do things differently this time, then together we will really change Britain.

“Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t happen. It can. This time, you can make the difference.”

The third TV party leader debate is now over and the final week of campaigning is here. If you like what the Lib Dems say and would like to see a fairer, more liberal Britain, vote for us, and join us.

On Thursday 29th April from 8.30pm, BBC One will host the final live Prime Ministerial Debate of the General Election from the Midlands. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in the run up to the General Election next Thursday.

The first half of the 90 minute programme, chaired by Question Time host David Dimbleby, will debate the economy, with the remaining time to discuss other election issues. The debate will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 4, with coverage starting at 8pm. You can submit your own question to the debate on the BBC website at http://tinyurl.com/yasmba5

With Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg widely believed to have won the first two debates, this is the final opportunity to see the three leaders debating issues together directly before the General Election.

Join Lib Dem candidate for Denton & Reddish Steve Broadhurst at a Hustings Meeting this Friday, 30 April. The hustings will begin at 7.00pm at St Lawrence’s Parish Church Denton (on Stockport Road, 200m south of Crown Point).

The hustings has been organised by Denton Churches Together, and we understand it will have a “Question TIme” type format.

Another chance to see the Liberal Democrats Party Election Broadcast as shown on TV on the eve of the 2010 Election Manifesto launch. Nick Clegg talks of the broken promises put forward by the Labour party and Conservatives, and that a vote for the Lib Dems means a vote for hope and an end to broken promises.

Have you seen “Believe in Fairness” yet? At Tameside Lib Dems we love this animation of the key points of the Liberal Democrat manifesto.

We hope you’ll take five minutes out to watch it — there’s music but no speech so if you do not have speakers on your PC or have hearing difficulties you don’t miss out on any of the important stuff.