A RALLYING cry has been issued to the Labour Party by Lib Dem Leader Tim Farron, who said: "Join us."

The comments came during an impassioned speech in which Mr Farron outlined his party's economic priorities for the next five years.

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP criticised George Osborne's public sector cuts and the cuts to tax credits, urging Labour to get behind the Lib Dem promise to help hard working families.

He pushed for more funding to be allocated for house building and placed a strong focus on small businesses and entrepreneurs - a group of people who he feels embody the 'liberal spirit'.

Specifically, the 45-year-old Party Leader is urging the government to carry out a business rates review which could give small businesses and start-ups a better chance to thrive.

Mr Farron also pressed the government to think long-term when handling the economy, instead of opting for 'short-term profit-making' decisions.

Speaking about what the Lib Dem economic plans could mean for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim said: "Here there is a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and lots of new start-ups. These small businesses are driving the local economy and providing jobs for local people, and it has long been clear to me that we need to spread this same culture across the country.

"Having met with a wide range of business owners here in South Lakeland, I am now calling on the government to introduce new measures to encourage these small businesses and entrepreneurs, and to create an environment which promotes long-term investment.

"I have also called on the government to ensure that the services local people rely on are given proper funding, and to invest in infrastructure now in order to reap the benefits in the future. For instance, while the government has backed improving rural broadband access, it needs to back this up with proper funding and a detailed plan."