Nick Clegg wins first TV debate

10.50.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th Apr 2010

Nick Clegg

The first debate between the three party leaders has been the best opportunity the Liberal Democrats have had in the modern era to put their case on an equal footing to a national audience.

It is clear that leader Nick Clegg acquitted himself well, and that the policies he outlined have a real real resonance with the British public.

Here in the Buckingham constituency, we the activists, councillors, supporters and members of the executive committee are every bit as frustrated as we are sure you are that we will be, uniquely, unable to cast our votes for the party in the forthcoming General Election.

But we want to make the best of the situation, and capitalise on the outstanding showing the party has made so far in the campaign.

Our plan is, directly the election is over, to start working in earnest to elect more Liberal Democrat councillors to Aylesbury Vale District Council, in the elections to be held in May 2011.

This is a clear target, and we would very much appreciate your help in achieving it.

We know people are busy, and have many other commitments. But we know that with more members and committed supporters, we could achieve great things here. The country areas and villages of this district Council have been traditionally Conservative many years, but only by default, because the opposition has not been strong enough to challenge them.

We would welcome you as members of the Liberal Democrats, even if you decided knocking on doors and delivering leaflets is not to you. We're very happy with that, and welcome the additional income which will help pay for leaflets to spread our message in the area. If you want to join us and help us more actively in campaigning, that would be even better news.

And best of all, if you have the ambition, you could stand for us as a candidate in the forthcoming district council elections. Because whatever happens nationally, the Liberal Democrats are the only real opposition to the Conservatives in this county, with a very real chance of taking power.

If you feel inspired by the performance of Nick Clegg in the first debate, we would be delighted to hear from you. You can send us a message through this website.