Clegg 'will give Lib Dems verve'

Mr Clegg warned against 'hollow, gutless politics'

Lib Dem leadership hopeful Nick Clegg has promised to bring "ambition, verve and self-confidence" to the party.

Outlining his policy platform, he said third place in the next general election would be "not good enough".

Among his proposals are "local courts", where criminals would "have to explain themselves to victims", and extra funding for the poorest schoolchildren.

Mr Clegg also called for a national anti-terror police force and annual government targets on carbon emissions.

So far, only Mr Clegg - the party's home affairs spokesman - and environment spokesman Chris Huhne have declared they will run for the leadership.

'Epidemic of powerlessness'

The contest follows Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation last week, after 19 months in the job.

Speaking at the National Liberal Club in London, Mr Clegg said the UK faced an "epidemic of powerlessness", adding: "The result is the 'Sat-Nav' politics we are seeing today: turn this way to shore up the core vote, that way for the floating vote."

He also said: "This is the politics of the marketing man - a hollow, gutless politics stripped of all meaning."

In some areas I want to see the European Union do much less, but do it much better Nick Clegg MP

Turning to the issue of law and order, he said: "New local courts should be set up in every town and city in Britain.

"Those who commit minor but visible offences like vandalism should have to explain themselves to victims and members of the community.

"Together they will be able to decide how offenders can make up for the damage they have caused."

A Lib Dem government under Mr Clegg would create an education system where "the money for the poorest state school pupils rises to private school levels, not one day, but straight away", he added.

On terrorism, Mr Clegg said prosecutions could be accelerated through post-charge questioning of suspects and making intercept evidence usable in court.

'Demands'

The government, he said, should enforce annual targets for greenhouse gas emissions and push for a "UN-style body able to enforce environmental treaties".

Mr Clegg, a former Member of the European Parliament, said: "I want to see a European Union that is more open, more decentralised and more accountable.

"In some areas I want to see the European Union do much less, but do it much better."

Mr Clegg said of the Lib Dems' election prospects: "Third place is not good enough. Not good enough for me, for the party or for Britain."

He added: "The demands facing us require ambition, verve and self confidence. That is what I promise to bring to the leadership of the Liberal Democrats."

Nominations for Lib Dem leader close on 31 October, with ballot papers being sent to the party's 68,000 members on 21 November.

The result will be announced during the week starting on 17 December.