Queen's Speech is political charade

12.00.00am GMT Thu 19th Nov 2009

Nick Clegg speaking when he visited Chelmsford

This year's Queen's Speech is a political charade that should be dropped in favour of an emergency programme of political reform. It is the only job this rump of a parliament is fit for - according to Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Liberal Democrats.

Commenting on the Speech, Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford said: "After the expenses scandal, this Parliament has destroyed its own legitimacy. Not in living memory has confidence in politicians, trust in the system, or faith in the government's capacity to change things been as low as it is today.

"This parliament no longer has the right to govern. All it has left is a solemn duty to clean up for good the mess in British politics. The one gift this failed parliament can give its successor is a fresh start."

Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats propose the following reforms:

1. Recall power for MPs suspended for misconduct

2. Code of conduct for candidates in the next election, including declaration of financial interests

3. House of Lords reform

4. Party funding reform in time for this election

5. Fixed term parliaments

6. Legislation to establish a 100-person Citizens' Assembly, to agree a new voting system for parliamentary elections

7. Changes to House of Commons procedure to reduce executive power