Clegg: Moving beyond party politics

10.00.00am GMT Wed 19th Dec 2007

Nick Clegg aims to reach out to Britain's families

A message from Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg: "I am greatly honoured to have been chosen by my fellow party members to be the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

"Liberal Democrats are already working hard to reach out to local people and listen to their concerns. In my leadership I will be taking that spirit nationwide, moving beyond party politics and making liberalism connect with the millions of people who share our values.

"Labour and the Conservatives have failed Britain's families. I will lead my party to change politics, and change Britain, for the better.

"Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to giving people a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, by shifting power away from Westminster and back to local communities.

"I will fight for a fair deal for Britain's families, campaign tirelessly to cut crime, and improve our NHS so it delivers the care people need."