London Liberal Democrats Launch Contract for London

7.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Apr 2008

London Liberal Democrats launched their 2008 Manifesto, "Contract with London" today at The Commonwealth Club. The Contract for London was launched by Vincent Cable MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Brian Paddick, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London and Duwayne Brooks, who was with Stephen Lawrence on the night he was murdered.

A vote for Brian Paddick and for the Liberal Democrat Assembly Team on May 1st will deliver the serious solutions below in a new type of administration where Londoners, not the politicians, are put first.

Brian Paddick signed a contract with London promising:

Every Londoner will be safer

I will deliver a 5% cut in crime every year or I will not seek re-election. I will personally chair the Police Authority to lead the drive to get knives and guns off the streets in London. I will act to stop the closure of small police stations in the capital - we need a strong police presence in our communities. I will lead a major drive to rebuild community spirit across the capital - bringing Londoners and the police together to make our streets safer.

Every Londoner will have better transport

I will bring forward a comprehensive plan to get London moving within three months. A top priority will be to improve bus services across the capital especially in those areas outside the tube network to ease congestion and overcrowding. I will also introduce new measures to make transport safer for all. A new cross-river tram project will transform central London's transport. New bike and car hire schemes will be introduced in every locality. Students of all ages will get free travel on public transport.

Every Londoner will benefit from better housing

I will take urgent action to turn London's 83,580 empty properties into sustainable homes at affordable rents. I will negotiate the release of surplus public sector land to form new community Land trusts, providing long-term low-rent housing. I will conduct a war on the problem of homelessness - this has no place in a modern London. I will make sure that communities across London have a real say on housing developments in their area.

Every Londoner will have a cleaner environment

I will make London the greenest capital in Europe. I will protect London's green and open spaces from greedy developers. I will launch a new scheme with London Councils to plant thousands of new trees in a drive to develop and restore the character of High Streets, markets, squares and open spaces across the capital. I will work with councils across London so that every London resident has access to the best recycling services. By cutting congestion on our roads, we will cut carbon emissions and improve air quality for all.

Every Londoner will see a new London Government

I will be the listening Mayor of London and will hold regular public meetings where people can come and ask me questions. As Mayor I will end the cronyism under the current mayor by making the Mayor's cabinet directly elected by London Assembly members. I will work closely with councils, community leaders and ordinary Londoners to deliver the changes our city needs.

Brian Paddick, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London said: "Our Contract with Londoners differs from the other two party's manifestos.

"Ken Livingstone has failed to deliver on his promises, Boris Johnson has failed to deliver anything while I have a proven track record of delivery.

"I will listen to Londoners and address their priorities. I've done it before and I'll do it again."

Vince Cable added: "London needs a new kind of Mayor, a Mayor who understands our great city. A competent Mayor who we can all trust to guide the Police, run our buses, run the tube.

"Londoners need a Mayor who can deliver on his promises and an Assembly that speaks up for all Londoners. Ken Livingstone cannot be trusted anymore and Boris Johnson has never run anything.

"London needs Brian Paddick and the Liberal Democrats."

A full copy of the manifesto can be seen at

http://www.brianpaddick.org/wp-content/uploads/london-2008-manifesto.pdf