BURT BACKS CLEGG FOR PARTY LEADERSHIP

11.03.35am GMT Tue 30th Oct 2007

Richard Burt has today declared his support for Nick Clegg in the race to become the next Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate attended the party's regional hustings at the weekend, where he heard both Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg outline their vision for the Liberal Democrats and for Britain.

Richard Burt said:

"It's Nick's ability to articulate liberal values in such a simple, clear and engaging way that I think marks the difference between the two candidates.

"Nick Clegg is a gifted communicator at all levels, and it is Chris Huhne's misfortune to come up against somebody so good in his second tilt at leader.

Nick Clegg, 40, is pledging to end two-party politics in a decade by making Britain a "liberal nation" again. Speaking at the regional hustings on Saturday, Nick Clegg said:

"My ambition is simple: to lead the Liberal Democrats so that by winning this battle of ideas we can transform Britain into the liberal nation I believe we are by temperament, by instinct, by tradition.

Richard Burt added:

"I have a growing feeling that Nick Clegg could develop into one of the best leaders the Liberal tradition has ever had, transforming British politics over the next ten years.

"I feel very confident about the future of the Liberal Democrats and I believe that if he wins, Nick Clegg will reach out to the millions of Britons who share our values, but have never yet voted for us.