Nigel Quinton, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Hitchin & Harpenden, launched his campaign in style with a stall in Hitchin Town Square and a walk-about in the Town Centre on Saturday 10th April. We had a fantastic response from the peopl

Nigel Quinton, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Hitchin & Harpenden, launched his campaign in style with a stall in Hitchin Town Square and a walk-about in the Town Centre on Saturday 10th April.

"We had a fantastic response from the people of Hitchin," commented Nigel. "Our policies for a fairer Britain seem to be striking a chord with people fed up of the other two parties. I think people recognise that this election offers a real opportunity to achieve a major change in our politics and that the Liberal Democrats are the only party that can deliver that change."

Nigel is seeking election for the first time. By profession he is a geologist and has worked across the globe. He has delivered talks on Peak Oil and Climate Change around Hertfordshire and is involved in the Transition Town movement. He has a strong business background having co-founded two listed energy exploration companies, both run from Harpenden.

He believes that the country's greatest challenge is the economy, and that Vince Cable should be Chancellor after the next election. Apart from the economy, the two greatest challenges for the next government will be achieving an international deal on climate change and tackling inequality in Britain.

"People I have spoken to across our constituency feel let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. They are looking for a party that offers decisive change. We have four priorities:

"One: We will introduce fairer taxes by raising personal allowances to �10,000 - taking millions of people out of income tax, saving a significant amount of administration costs, and making most people �700 a year better off. If the country faces a painful few years recovering from Labour's disastrous mismanagement then it is vital the burden is shared fairly.

"Two: We will reduce class sizes in early years' education via our 'pupil premium' which will add �33 million to Hertfordshire's education budget. We will scrap tuition fees, remove discrimination against part-time study and develop a framework of training options for young people, and for those wanting to re-train latter in life.

"Three: We will reform politics. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs, establishing proportional representation at all levels and giving you the power to sack corrupt MPs.

"Fourth, but just as importantly, we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure businesses can find the money they need to grow.

"The coming weeks are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for the people of Hitchin & Harpenden.