Dear Nick,

I finally committed to a political party a few years ago - I had a moment of hope that the Liberal Democrats might just be the party that could fix the wrongs. As my membership came up for renewal though, I reflected on my decision.

I wrote to Nick Clegg today:
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Dear Nick,
With the political scandals (financial) that have unfolded in the media, I have noticed that the Liberal Democrat party is being included alongside Labour & Conservative in the tally of illegal activities – even if justified, this is in stark contrast to the lack of inclusion, when media is discussing other aspects of politics.

With this in mind, I strongly believe you need to bring honesty to the fore in order to set yourself further apart from the other parties. Being in their company is counting against you... in my opinion.

I received an email from you before you became leader and was enthused by your fresh, honest answer to my query - I joined the party at that point and wrote back to you suggesting you would be a good leader. At the time, Ming was firmly in place and that suggestion seemed a far way off.

Since coming to the Leadership position, you have worked incredibly hard and scarcely put a foot wrong - from where I stand.

I do though feel that you are currently being portrayed as 'like the others' and this is both damaging and (I believe/hope) incorrect.

The difference I originally found in you was that you were like me and spoke in ways that I do - without affectations and gestures that are media-trained-in. Recently though, you seem to be blending into the look and feel of the system that 'we are used to'.

'What we are used to' though is secretive, seemingly ego-driven, phoney and ineffective at best; downright evil at its worst ...and I don't believe that is who you are.

During the Telegraph revelations of financial abuse by politicians - I did not renew my membership of the party.

I have considered not voting/spoiling the ballot/relocating - I am so disheartened that even those I trusted, with my show of loyalty through membership - were touched by this corruption and criminality. I have been angry with you and ALL politicians - because even if as individuals you did not commit a crime - you MUST have known of this culture of criminal behaviour going on around you.

Why didn't you speak up? I am still smarting from the ongoing saga of how my hard earned money was given to those in your profession and wasted. So what do I do now as an election looms and I don't have any faith in any of the choices ...or the system that presents them?

What do you suggest as the solution to my voting dilemma Nick? Why should I trust you or any other politician who didn’t speak out?

Namaste,
Tina Louise