Lib Dems ‘have nothing to apologise for’

Liberal Democrats have “nothing to apologise for” over their role in the coalition, Danny Alexander said in a defiant speech to party delegates.

The Treasury Chief Secretary insisted his party had gained “real economic credibility” while in power. He said: “Labour wants a plan B – more borrowing and debt. The B could be for Balls or Berlusconi, same difference.

“The SNP wants a plan MacB. They should have called it plan Mac-tripleB, because that’s what it would do to our country’s credit rating.”

He highlighted investment in broadband, efforts to save cross-Border sleeper train services, a cut to fuel costs and changes to the income tax threshold.

Looking to the next general election, he told the conference he wants to push ahead with a pledge to raise the tax bar further from £10,000. Mr Alexander said the party’s first priority had been to clean up Labour’s “mess”. “Our plan has real credibility,” he added. “It is keeping our interest rates at record lows, helping keep people in their homes and businesses in funds.