The Liberal Democrats will launch a "pre-election manifesto" today.

The 5,000 word document, assembled mainly by Matthew Taylor, chairman of the parliamentary party, will come in a tabloid newspaper format and is entitled "Freedom, fairness and trust".

The manifesto will offer 10 reasons to vote for Charles Kennedy's party and is being published early because the party's strategists believe it takes six to nine months for the campaign teams to reach an only half-listening electorate.