The way things are is not the way they have to be.

That was the message as Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, concluded the final party Conference before this year's General Election. I was struck by the genuine anger that was clear in his voice as he spoke of the problems Britain faces and the inadequacy of the responses from Labour and the Conservatives - “the old parties”. So what is the alternative?

Fair taxes – setting about 3.6 million people on low incomes free from income tax, paid for by closing loopholes and clamping down on tax avoidance by the wealthy

A fair start for children – targeting money at children from disadvantaged backgrounds to end the scandal of the current association between family income and achievement at school, and getting teachers, not distant bureaucrats, to decide how the money is spent. No child should be left behind.

Fair, transparent and local politics – putting people back in charge through radical reform to allow voters to sack corrupt MPs, to ensure local accountability for local services, and to secure fair votes, forcing parties to serve everyone, not just the minority of people living in marginal seats.

A fair, sustainable economy – we will lead Britain away from its over-dependence on the City of London. Banks which are too big to fail are simply too big, so we will break them up and ensure that taxpayers never again have to bail out casino banking. We will promote green infrastructure to equip Britain for the 21st century. We will never take risks with the country's finances.

Now, more than ever before, it is clear that there is only one party committed to real, fair change for Britain. If you want more of the same old politics, vote for somebody else. If you want something new, and better, vote for it: choose the Liberal Democrats.

(Photos: Alex Folkes / Fishnik, Licence)