Hinckley and Bosworth Liberal Democrats set sights on victory
As Gordon Brown announces the start of the general election campaign, local Liberal Democrat campaigner Michael Mullaney is fighting to win Bosworth.
Michael Mullaney said: "I'm delighted to have the chance to stand for Hinckley and Bosworth.
"I live locally, I use local services and I believe it is vital that Hinckley and Bosworth has a local champion who will fight for our area.
"I will be campaigning for Income tax cuts for people on middle and low incomes, paid for by closing tax loopholes used by the very rich.
"I want to see more police officers on local streets, paid for by scrapping Labour's costly and unworkable ID card scheme.
"I support Lib Dem plans to invest an extra £2.5billion in schools to give every child a fair start in life.
"Pensioners deserve a far better deal than they are getting at the moment and I will campaign to restore the link between pensions and earnings.
"Talking to local people, it is clear that they are angry and disillusioned with the current Conservative MP. His involvement in expenses scandals and his obsession with fringe issues like astrology and homeopathy mean many people want a change.
"In Hinckley and Bosworth we have a real chance for change.
"Recent elections in Hinckley and Bosworth have been close contests between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
Labour are out of the race, in the most recent set of elections Labour finished 4th in Hinckley and Bosworth.
Long serving Hinckley Councillor David Bill said ""Michael is a great candidate, he will speak up strongly in favour of our local services, like the Fire Service, care homes and community centres which are threatened by Tory cuts."
Liberal Democrat Director of campaigns for the Midlands and leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Council, Cllr Stuart Bray said "Michael has a realistic chance of winning Bosworth.
"Time after time in recent elections the Lib Dems have challenged the Conservatives strongly here. The current Conservative MP has been discredited and will have a real struggle on his hands to hold this seat."