Local elections - a choice between fashion and principal

4.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 26th Apr 2007

Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell and Northgate Councillor Gordon Seekings

Speaking today to the Liberal Democrat staff at party HQ (including Northgate Councillor Gordon Seekings who is employed there) leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that May's local elections represent a choice between fashion and principle.

"Tony Blair pioneered the politics of fashion. But David Cameron has become its most loyal disciple."

"Well I am not in that game. Fashions come and go, but principles endure. Standing by your principles means speaking up for them when they are not fashionable."

"It means years of fighting for the environment, for gay rights, and civil liberties not just when they are popular and the argument is won. But also when they are unpopular - and the terrain is hostile. That is what Liberal Democrats stand for."