Leader of the Liberal Democrats Menzies Campbell today rejected a Conservative approach for the two parties to support a joint candidate for the London mayoral elections next year.

Speaking after the meeting with David Cameron, Liberal Democrat Chair of Campaigns and Communications, Edward Davey MP said:

"The people of London should have a full democratic choice on next year’s mayoral elections. David Cameron’s proposal would have denied that.

"The Liberal Democrats are not the kind of party that makes major decisions like this without consulting its members.

"We are happy to work with other parties on important issues as we did today in Parliament over pensions. However, major differences exist between the Liberal Democrats and the other two parties over big issues such as council tax, crime and the environment.

"There are many problems with Ken Livingstone’s performance as Mayor, but the way to defeat him is not to have a ‘anyone-but-Ken’ candidate, it is to win the argument over issues that matter to the capital.

"London is increasingly a liberal city and the people of London deserve a liberal choice for mayor."