The starting whistle was blown by Gordon Brown this morning for what looks like a close run general election on May 6th. Knocking on doors in Stansted yesterday confirmed the general distaste for most of politics but a recurring view that the Lib Dems are needed at least to play a part in the next government. Labour is finished in most people’s view but there is little enthusiasm for a Conservative government, even amongs most former Tory voters.

I’m off to Waveney, the constituency that includes Lowestoft and is the most easterly seat in the UK, to be the Lib Dem candidate. The Lib Dems start from third place last time, but the outcome is unpredictable. Lord Ashcroft has been pouring his money into the constituency for the Tories. We shall have to see what the voters think of that and the Labour government’s record.

The economy and jobs are the most important issues for this relatively deprived part of Suffolk. News that Siemens is looking for a site to manufacture wind turbines somewhere in eastern England is potentially good news for Lowestoft and fits perfectly with the Lib Dem priority for a new, green economy and what I call ‘good jobs’ based on renewable energy.

I am now off to talk to Sky News on the South Pier!