Clegg targets mainstream appeal

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In advance of his first annual Lib Dem conference as leader next week, Mr Clegg called on the party to demonstrate it is on the side of millions of families struggling against a worsening economy.

While past Lib Dem conferences have been mocked for their concern with controversial fringe issues, he urged the party to concentrate on people's real concerns.

In an interview with the Press Association, Mr Clegg said: "This conference is very much about making sure our policies are bang up to date, really answering the needs and the everyday challenges facing British families.

"And I think the whole party's very committed to doing that, the constant need to make sure we are on the side of the vast majority of British families who are now going to find life a lot tougher than it has been for some time."

Despite a difficult year for the Lib Dems as the Tories have soared in the polls and Labour has declined, Mr Clegg insisted the party's mood was "very good" and that it was well placed heading into the next election.

He also rejected suggestions that the party was being squeezed by Conservative leader David Cameron's ascent but admitted he wanted to do better.

He also said there was a massive gap in British politics which they were seeking to fill. But the Lib Dem leader made clear that that required the party to focus on mainstream concerns. "There is a huge gap there to really stand up for the vast majority of British households who I think really need a break," he said.

Previously Lib Dem conference-goers have exposed the party to ridicule by demanding the legalisation of cannabis and lowering the pornography age limit from 18 to 16 years.

Asked for the main goal of this year's annual conference, he said: "To show in a time when the country faces very, very, very difficult and uncertain times that we have the policies and values to make Britain fairer, safer and greener."