Sir Menzies eyes election success

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The Lib Dems have their best shot at electoral success yet, as the two other main parties face internal struggles, claims leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

Campaigning for the May English local polls, Sir Menzies said the opportunity to win votes "has never been greater".

He said David Cameron's efforts to reinvent the Tories were without substance, while Gordon Brown was busy trying to shore up New Labour.

Both Tony Blair and Mr Cameron were also out on the campaign trail.

Sir Menzies criticised both Labour and the Conservatives, saying both were struggling with their own internal issues.

Football club

He told the BBC: "That is why the opportunity for the Liberal Democrats has never been greater. We are the party of opposition throughout the whole of the UK.

"We are the party who is arguing against tuition fees, the party who is arguing against identity cards and, of course, we are the party who argued against the military action in Iraq."

By getting involved in sport, young people gain confidence, respect and self discipline Sir Menzies Campbell

Earlier he visited a youth football team in Malvern, Worcestershire, set up by parents and police support officers.

He said local sports clubs could help cut crime in an area, yet only 12 of the 30 "Sports Action Zones" unveiled in 2000 had been set up. Only £8.1m of the £750m funding promised had been spent, he said.

A former Olympic sprinter himself, Sir Menzies said sports equipment, training and facilities needed to be provided in deprived areas.

"By getting involved in sport, young people gain confidence, respect and self discipline.

"All of these qualities can help to stop the downward spiral towards a life of crime," he said.

He accused the government of "chasing headlines" rather than providing support to tackle the causes of crime.