The Real Alternative to the Tories and Labour in Northampton North

9.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 8th Apr 2005

In launching the Lib Dems Northampton Campaign Andrew Simpson Lib Dem candidate for Northampton North spoke of the principles that made him join the Lib Dems and that guide the policies put forward by the party.

"What do the Lib Dems stand for ? …. and what was one of the motivating phrase which made me join…. Our purpose, our very reason for being…. taken from our constitution "…..to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society…no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance and conformity…

Shouldn't that be what politics is ….about creating a 'fair, free and open society'……. surely we need that now more than ever before" said Andrew

He also criticised his opponents for being career politicians.

"I am not a career politician, I didn't even set out with the intention of being a Councillor - I joined because I wanted stop authorities and people in power telling me what to do, and what to think, I wanted to change things make peoples lives better and demonstrate that democracy can work for people.

I'm here for the long term - I moved here in 1983 and have remained here ever since. I have represented local people for nearly 10 years as a Borough Councillor.

I don't see the job of an MP of being in London and making speeches, I see it as being in the constituency and using the office of being an MP to help the very people who elected me.

Make no mistake my two opponents are both careerist politicians - one nearing the end of her career and one just starting out."

Andrew ran through the Lib Dems' main policy priorities including:

Caring for the elderly:

- £100 for over 75's non means tested Citizens Pension

- Free Personal Care when people need it

- Scrapping Council Tax - in particular helping low income households

Looking after the sick and promoting healthy lifestyles…..

- An NHS that is run locally not by Whitehall diktat

- Cut bureaucracy and red tape

- Free eye and dental check ups

- Clearer food labelling

- Banning GM crops until proven safe

Protecting the environment….

- Shifting taxes onto fuel inefficient vehicles

- Committing to alternative energy

- Action towards zero waste

Giving people the best opportunities in life….

- Best start for children - nursery education

- Maternity Income Guarantee of £170 a week for new mothers

- Scrap student tuition and top-up fees

"You have my pledge in putting Northampton first not any political career, and my energy and enthusiasm is committed to getting our positive message across.

The time for Northampton North to elect its first Lib Dem MP has never been as close as it is now."

Related Link:

Click here to read the full version of Andrew's speech.