Exeter Lib Dem Tax Victory

12.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Apr 2009

The man behind a campaign to change his party's Income Tax policy, Exeter Liberal Democrat PPC Graham Oakes, has welcomed today's announcement by party leader, Nick Clegg that the Lib Dems are looking to raise the income tax threshold.

Graham has been working on a new approach to taxation for several months and in that time has gained the support of a number of PPCs, MPs and now the party Leader.

"This is brilliant news. Today Nick Clegg has announced a brave new stance on tax, a Robin Hood measure that really will take from the rich and give to the poor."

This measure will result in 4 million people not having to pay any income tax at all - helping the lowest earners and many pensioners with small investments.

It's estimated this will save low and middle income earners £700 per year.

"Whilst other parties look to raise taxes and cut expenditure we are looking to cut taxes and reduce waste. This policy is not only fair but will also boost the micro economy. It will encourage people to seek full time employment rather than survive on benefits and will reduce the financial fears that many of our pensioners face."

In a strange twist as part of his campaign to change Lib Dem policy Graham was the author of a motion debated at a manifesto development day on behalf of the Women Liberal Democrats.

Graham aims to continue his campaign to raise the Income Tax threshold to that on the equivalent of the full time National Minimum Wage.