Populus poll says Lib Dems are the party for the people

3.26.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Sep 2006

Under the leadership of Ming Campbell the Liberal Democrat party are becoming increasingly popular with the public

A Populus poll for The Times this week shows people believe the Liberal Democrats are the party most in tune with peoples' lives.

Of more than 1000 people interviewed 50% said they felt the Liberal Democrats cared about the problems of ordinary people, compared to just 36% for the Conservative party. 41% agreed the Lib Dems are honest and principled against only 31% for the Conservatives.

At 51%, more than half of those interviewed agreed that the Liberal Democrats are a credible alternative to Labour because of their policies to share wealth and promote green issues.

The results were published just as the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference got underway, during which major tax reforms won approval. The party unveiled plans for a 'Green Tax Switch' which included axing the 10p rate of income tax, cutting the next band by 2p to 20p and raising the higher income threshold from £38,000 to £50,000. Instead the Lib Dems would tax carbon emissions from cars and aircraft, encouraging people to chose less polluting vehicles.

Reacting to the news, Cllr Andrew Simpson, Prospective Parliamentary Spokesperson for Northampton North said:

"I think the results reflect people's experiences of Lib Dems around the country. In Northampton we have always tried to be honest with people on issues such as health and education, even though it means sometimes saying things which are unpopular."

Cllr Tony Woods, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Northampton Borough Council said:

"Most people just want good public services and a fairer distribution of the tax burden, which is what our policy will deliver. People know the Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to addressing the problem of climate change."

To find out more about Liberal Democrat policy go to: www.libdems.org.uk