"Join us!" say Buckingham Lib Dems.

9.57.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 4th Apr 2010

Marie-Louise Rossi Spokesperson Buckingham Liberal Democrats

Buckingham constituency Liberal Democrats have devised a slogan for the General Election campaign, even though they will not be fielding a candidate against the Speaker.

It is: "You can't vote for us, but why don't you join us?"

Spokesperson Marie-Louise Rossi said this is the perfect way for people to show the support they would otherwise have demonstrated with their vote.

"In common with the two other major parties, we are observing the convention of not standing a candidate in the Buckingham constituency against the Speaker.

"We know many people are unhappy that they cannot vote for us, and want to register their commitment. We are asking them to join the Liberal Democrats.

"One of the things we are campaigning for, with the backing of Lib Dem MPs, is a change to the system so that MPs get to vote for the Speaker in their own private seat, where only they are constituents - to be called something like St Stephen's.

This would mean a by-election in the Speaker's original seat, with electors again able to exercise a normal democratic choice.

"Meanwhile we remain active and committed at local level. We have identified many important issues on which we shall be campaigning. We intend to build our strength to meet that challenge."