We must build a policy platform fit for government - Sir Menzies Campbell

2.52.00pm GMT Tue 14th Mar 2006

Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

At the first meeting of his new Shadow Cabinet today, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, called on his team to promote a value-based approach to politics, in stark contrast to the managerialism of Labour and the Conservatives.

Sir Menzies called for new ideas and the need to challenge orthodoxy. In a letter to Shadow Cabinet colleagues, he said, "I want all of us to be prepared to engage in fresh thinking, to challenge established wisdom and to demonstrate that the Liberal Democrats are a dynamic force in politics."

Sir Menzies Campbell said "The Liberal Democrats are the only credible party campaigning for the defence of civil liberties, the protection of the environment, genuine choice in education and giving power back to local communities.

"But principled opposition is not enough.

"We must employ fresh thinking and new ideas to build a policy platform that is fit for government."