Nick Clegg closes Lib Dem conference

The Liberal Democrat Leader spoke to activists in Brighton. Credit: PA Wire

Nick Clegg has warned Liberal Democrats of more tough times ahead as he put them on a war footing before the 2015 general election.

The Sheffield Hallam MP closed his party’s autumn conference in Brighton with a keynote speech in which he told activists that "nothing worthwhile can be won without a battle".

But the Deputy Prime Minister said that proving his party could manage the economy better than Labour and more fairly than the Tories would reap electoral reward.

He also:

  • Pledged to block any Tory bid to further reduce the top rate of income tax, following controversy over his acceptance of a cut from 50p to 45p,

  • Reiterated his determination to ensure the rich shoulder the burden of an additional £16 billion of public spending cuts expected in 2015/16,

  • Acknowledged the need to make further public spending cuts after the next election,

  • Vowed to fight "short-sighted" Conservative opposition to green policies,

  • Announced a £50 million-a-year "catch-up premium" for extra tuition for pupils failing to make the grade in English and maths.