Öpik offers positive campaigning

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Oct 2008

Lembit Öpik MP has asked the Liberal Democrat membership to "change up a gear towards Government" by backing him for President.

Lembit said:

"The enemy of the Liberal Democrats is conventionalism and conservatism. Everyone knows I'm neither conventional nor conservative! My national profile and my total adherence to liberal principles means I stand out in a clear and lively way. That's why I was awarded the Govnet 'UK Alternative Politician of the Year Award' this week. That's why I'm standing for President - to breathe the same life and soul into our Party.

"The challenge to the membership is this: if a Lib Dem Party promoting itself in clear, bold, primary colours scares you, then don't vote for me. But if you dare take our story, our image, and our vision to the citizens in refreshing and colourful, inspired ways, then voting for me is a vote for exactly that approach.

"I ask all members to stop a moment and consider this. I reach beyond the normal political barricades to real people in real homes living real lives. So we must decide: more of the same or change up a gear towards Government. That's what this presidential election is about - a vote for me is a vote for that ambition. And sure there's a risk, but there's a bigger risk if we just carry on doing everything the same way, like we've always done. Let's take the exciting path, the road less travelled. The one which can lead us to Government."

Lembit added:

"I don't agree with conspiracies in the Liberal Democrats. That's why I backed former leader Charles Kennedy to the end - I was appalled by the perceived internal campaign against him. That's why I defended Ming Campbell up to his moment of resignation, in the face of a whispering campaign against him too. I still refuse to play any part in such negative campaigning."

Former Leicester South MP and by-election winner Parmjit Singh Gill said:

"The membership know the score, they know Lembit's record of loyalty to the Party and to its leaders. And they know his faith in positive campaigning, not negative spin. If they agree with Lembit, they know what to do. It's up to the members to make that choice, but I think in a democratic organisation the members should be in charge. That's what Lembit thinks and that's the attitude I want from my Party President."