Ann Holtom puts fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat campaign

9.42.33pm GMT Sat 23rd Jan 2010

Ann Holtom, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Erdington with Nick Clegg MP - putting fairness at the heart of the campaign

The Liberal Democrats have announced they will fight the General Election on four key principles, designed to make Britain a fairer place. Following a key speech by party leader Nick Clegg, Cllr Ann Holtom, Parliamentary Candidate for Birmingham Erdington, has set out locally the four campaign priorities: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.

In a statement Cllr Holtom said: "People have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election with a clear direction and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point."

"We will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest and introducing a tax on mansions, with tax cuts of £700 for everyone else."

"If your child is at school in Birmingham, we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition."

"We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system by flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150."

"And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure Birmingham businesses can find the money they need to grow."

"These key principles will be the national campaigning themes which the Liberal Democrats will bring before the people at the coming general election. I will support them vigorously in behalf of the constituents of Erdington. I also intend to continue my campaign for those policies which I have already set out to local residents: re-opening a railway station at Castle Vale, saving jobs at JLR at Castle Bromwich, work experience for 18-25 year olds and better deal for pensioners."

"The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I want to use them to focus on delivering real change for Birmingham."