The Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy faced criticism yesterday after he confirmed that he would give the vote to convicted prisoners.

In an admission that may affect his party's so-called "tough liberalism" approach to crime, Mr Kennedy said even Ian Huntley, the Soham killer, should get the vote.
"We believe that citizens are citizens, full stop," he said during questions on Channel Five television. Under the present rules all people sent to prison are automatically deprived of the vote.