Burt Welcomes Nick Clegg's Election As Lib Dem Party Leader

5.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Dec 2007

Nick Clegg's election as the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats has been hailed as a defining moment for the Party by West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt.

In a message sent to members in West Worcestershire shortly after the result was declared, Richard Burt said, "Nick Clegg will be a great Leader of the Liberal Democrats and I am delighted he has won the backing of the party. Nick Clegg will reach out to the millions of tolerant, fair minded Britons who share our liberal values but have never yet voted for us.

"Unlike the Labour Party, who gave Gordon Brown a coronation and are already regretting it, we have had a vibrant contest, with the leadership contenders travelling all round the country, setting out their ideas and listening to the views and suggestions of party members. We showed once again how we are the most open, democratic party in British politics.

"This is an exciting time to be a Liberal Democrat. Gordon Brown's Government is blundering from one disaster to another. But the Conservatives' policy-lite PR agenda has failed to catch people's imagination. People are ready to hear what the Liberal Democrats have to offer.

"Over the next few months, I will be out with colleagues across West Worcestershire to call on local people and encourage them to support the party.

"The election of Nick Clegg has put wind in our sails and under his leadership, we will continue to move forward," added Mr Burt.