Liberal Democrats have promised to freeze council tax, create 1,000 new apprenticeships and build safe cycle routes if they are elected to run Islington Council next month.

The party has also pledged to build 2,500 new homes and expand the free school meals programme.

Launching the party’s manifesto this week, leader Terry Stacy said he wants to “change the way we do politics” and will campaign to create jobs and reduce the cost of living.

The Lib Dems have been the official opposition at the council since 2010 after they lost the leadership to Labour. The party currently holds 11 seats and is set to announce their candidates today (Thursday).

Cllr Stacy said: “We are pledging to freeze council tax for the next four years and deliver savings for every household. We will make sure there are new homes for people in need and those renting privately get a fairer deal.”

The party has urged voters not to make the May 22 elections “about the Government” and focus on the issues affecting Islington.

Cllr Stacy said the 2,500 new homes would be a mixture of social, shared ownership and low-cost accommodation and the 1,000 new apprenticeships would be provided within the council and by council contractors, as well as the voluntary sector.

He said under the Lib Dems, the free schools meal programme would include breakfast as well as lunch, and more cycle hire stations would be introduced across the borough.

Cllr Stacy said: “We want to boost spending on cycling and tackle dangerous hot spots, making sure the streets are safe for cyclists across the borough.

“We will continue to raise standards in our schools, largely around increasing the number of free breakfast clubs for children. We believe in giving everybody the support they need to get on in life and reach their full potential.”

“Our vision is to create a stronger local economy in a fairer Islington. To make this happen, we are campaigning on five key issues to create jobs and help you with the cost of living.”

Cllr Stacy added: “We also want to change the way we do politics. As your councillors, we will campaign on our five key issues whatever the result of the election.

“We will work with local businesses, community groups and the voluntary sector to build cross-party support for these ideas and make them a reality over the next four years, not just during the election.

“We will always put our residents first, not just be the Town Hall’s mouthpiece.”