By political editor Paul Francis

Nick Clegg says his party could yet make a breakthrough in Kent at the election and insists that "all bets are off" on the outcome on May 6.

In an exclusive interview with the KMG, the leader of the party urged Kent people to "vote with their hearts" and denied the two-way battle between the Conservatives and Labour in Kent’s key marginals meant a vote for his party was a waste.

His direct appeal to Kent voters comes as the parties begin their final push for votes.

Speaking ahead of the third televised leaders’ debate, Mr Clegg said: "All bets are off at this election.

"If we've learnt anything over the last few weeks it's that you can't second guess the British people.

"That's enormously exciting, and, if there was ever a time for people in Kent to vote with their hearts, it's now.

"The way to really waste your vote is to throw it away on a party that doesn't share your values," he said.

The Liberal Democrats face a huge challenge if they are to break the grip of the Conservatives and Labour on Kent’s 16 seats.

The party needs a double-digit swing in all the county’s constituencies if they are to emerge victorious in any, with a minimum of 12 per cent swing needed in Folkestone and Hythe and a 15 per cent swing in Maidstone and Weald.

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In an exclusive interview with KM Group, Mr Clegg also defended his policy on an amnesty for illegal immigrants, saying he was "sick and tired" of the other parties who had "no idea" how to deal with the problem.

He also defended his refusal to spell out what his party would do in the event of a hung Parliament and accused the Conservative party of being "desperate" in their claim that a vote for the Lib Dems would allow Labour to stay in power.

Click here for the full interview.

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