People are looking for a real change in 2010

10.23.05pm GMT Thu 31st Dec 2009

In his new year message, Peter Wilcock, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden writes:- As we enter the new decade, it is clear that we are all waiting for the General Election that has to be held by June 6th so we can vote on the most unpopular Labour Government ever, headed by the un-elected Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Liberal Democrats have had a good year in 2009 leading on issues as diverse as rights for Gurkhas, a new strategy in Afghanistan, a fair deal for housing benefit claimants and the need to cut carbon emissions. From their unwillingness to support the 10:10 campaign to reduce carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 and their enthusiastic support for a new supermarket in Saffron Walden - and the huge increase in pollution and food miles that will result - it is quite clear that local Conservatives don't give two hoots about the environment, however many huskies David Cameron hugs.

Vince Cable has continued to be head and shoulders above his Conservative and Labour opposite numbers in his understanding of the economic problems the country faces and the ways we can solve them.

The expenses scandal has done enormous damage to our faith in politics, but it has also given us the opportunity to promote the need to repair our broken politics and make it cleaner and more accountable. Never has the case for reform of our electoral system been stronger and more urgent.

I am standing for Parliament in Saffron Walden constituency. I consider that being elected in this seat would be an honour. It would be a privilege to serve local electors. I have always said that I would spend only as much time in Westminster as was necessary to represent the people of my constituency. I would spend as much time as possible working locally to help local people and businesses.

I look forward to the election and believe that people are looking for a change with a clear idea to deliver fairness that our area and society needs.

Peter Wilcock

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate (Saffron Walden)