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

8.50.08pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 15th Mar 2006

Sir Menzies Campbell's call to build a policy platform fit for government

Dundee Liberal Democrats have applauded the challenge laid down by new party leader Sir Menzies Campbell MP for Liberal Democrats to build a policy platform fit for government.

At the first meeting of his new Shadow Cabinet yesterday, Sir Menzies 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."

Here in Dundee, Dundee City Council LibDem Group Leader Cllr Fraser Macpherson said, "Ming Campbell has certainly hit the ground running as UK LibDem leader - the party is in excellent shape and an exciting future lies ahead. With seven years' experience in government in Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrats are uniquely placed to be a major part of the Liberal Democrat push for government throughout the UK."