Brown's dithering and cynical calculation makes the case for reform

6.26.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 7th Oct 2007

Local LibDems are condemning Gordon Brown's "dithering" and "cynical calculation"

Gordon Brown's decision not to hold a snap poll after weeks of "dithering" and "cynical calculation" is clear evidence of the need to reform how Parliament works, according to local Liberal Democrats.

Commenting on the Prime Minister losing his nerve on holding an early election, chair of Westminster LibDems Jo Hayes said:

"The Liberal Democrats were ready, willing and able to fight this election. Indeed, we called for it when Gordon Brown first took over, so that he could renew Labour's mandate. We are eager to put to the people our vision of a fairer and greener future for Britain.

"Regardless of our readiness however, the leader of one party should not be able to name the day just to suit their own personal political advantage.

"We should have fixed-term parliaments, with elections every four years. Such a system would spare us all the mess of the last few weeks. Indeed, Gordon Brown's dithering and the cynical calculation of it all leaves a nasty taste in the mouth and damages the reputation of politics. That is very sad."