ONE of Buckinghamshire's representatives in the European Parliament was in Amersham this morning to officially launch her party's manifesto.

Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles handed out flyers and balloons to canvass support for her party ahead of the European elections next month, under the slogan 'Stronger Together, Poorer Apart'.

Her party will be focusing on Britain's role in helping the EU through the recession, cross-border crime and the environment.

Ms Bowles said both Labour and the Conservatives had “messed up” Britain's relationship with other countries in Europe – and added she was “shocked” at revelations made about MPs expenses claims.

She told the Bucks Free Press: “Both the other parties have messed up our relationship in Europe. We have gone from having empty chairs at the table under Thatcher to a lot of arrogance from Gordon Brown.

“Co-operation over Europe matters a great deal and it will make a big difference. It impinges on everybody's life.”

She said politicians' expense accounts should be made to be more transparent, adding full details of her own expenses were available on her website.

Ms Bowles, one of ten MEPs who represent the south east, said: “In one way I'm grateful to the MPs and MEPs that have exposed the fact there's misapplication of allowances going on.

“All the main parties in Europe have signed up to a code of conduct where expenses are published.

“We have been at the forefront of trying to get this changed and making sure allowances are spent on what they are meant to be spent on.”

Elections for the European Parliament take place on June 4.

For details on voting, click here.