Voters Who Want Reform Should Vote Lib Dem, Says Duff

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd Jun 2009

In a final appeal to the electorate of the East of England in advance of Thursday's elections, Liberal Democrat Euro MP for the East of England Andrew Duff says:

"The Westminster scandals have turned public scepticism about politics into cynicism. But a better reaction is to join the cause of political reform. The Liberal Democrats have always been Britain's reform party. We want decentralisation from Whitehall; a thorough shake-up of the Westminster political system; and a more open and democratic European Union.

"As Nick Clegg has shown, the Lib Dems are ready to drive the reform agenda forward. We are effective at local level. We provide real opposition at Westminster. And we are committed to Britain's membership of the European Union.

"During this difficult campaign, I have met many ex-Tory voters who despise David Cameron's isolationism and are deeply unimpressed at his apparent late conversion to political reform. I have also met many ex-Labour voters who know that neither Tony Blair nor Gordon Brown have delivered on their early promise.

"Many people have told me that they know the Liberal Democrats offer the best choice in this election at county and European level.

"Voting for eurosceptic single issue parties or the extremist right-wing is only good for a protest. Those who want real and lasting change in Britain and in Europe should vote Liberal Democrat on Thursday."

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