Nick Clegg backs local Lib Dem Team

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 13th Apr 2008

Nick Clegg with Cllr Gwyn Neilly, Cllr Shaukat Ali Khan and Cllr Tariq Khan in Hodge Hill constituency

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has personally backed local Lib Dem candidates in this year's important local elections. The elections are set to be a close fight between the Liberal Democrats and Labour.

Many local people say they can't trust Labour anymore. They say they are sick of Labour's record of failure for Hodge Hill, Washwood Heath, Bordesley Green and Shard End. Under Labour local people suffered huge Council Tax rises and increased crime.

The Liberal Democrats are fighting a positive campaign to improve our neighbourhoods. Council Tax increases under the Lib Dems have been one of the lowest in the country. Crime is at an 18 year low and recycling and street cleaning have increased.

Lib Dem candidates in the local elections here in Hodge Hill constituency are Councillor Tariq Khan in Washwood Heath, Councillor Shaukat Ali Khan in Bordesley Green, Maureen Barnsley in Hodge Hill and Chris Barber in Shard End.