Nick Clegg among MPs backing CAMRA's wish list

CAMRA has revealed that more than a fifth of newly elected MPs are signed up its charter to help pubs - including Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.

More than 650 wannabe candidates had signed the charter prior to the general election - and out of those 148 were elected last week.

CAMRA's 'Beer Drinkers and Pub-goers charter' includes a call for reform of the beer tie, a rebalancing of alcohol tax and support for pubs as a solution to alcohol misuse.

Other notable names, aside from "kingmaker" Clegg, signed up to the charter include senior Lib Dems Vince Cable, Chris Huhne and Danny Alexander, Tory Peter Luff and Green Party leader Caroline Lucas.

Vince Cable's name on the list offer some hope to the industry on beer tax, as the Lib Dem's shadown chancellor could be invited to take the position of chief secretary at the Treasury in a coaliton government.

Out of the new MPs signed up, 59 are Labour, 44 are Conservative, 42 are Lib Dem, one Green, one Plaid Cymru and one SNP.

Industry observers have pointed out the new government will initially have greater priorities than helping the pub industry.

However CAMRA says it will be calling on each of the elected candidates to back up their commitment to "reform the beer tie to deliver a fair deal for consumers".

This will include pressure for a legally binding code of conduct, a guest beer right and a free-of-tie option for tied tenants.

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: "The large pub companies won't be able to escape the growing political pressure for reform."

He added: "We are delighted to have so much support from so many new MPs. This shows that CAMRA's issues are firmly on the agenda, and stands us in great stead to secure reform of the beer tie, reform of planning law and to ensure the taxation system does not penalise the responsible majority of ordinary drinkers."

You can see if your MP is signed up to the charter by clicking on the Word document attached on the right.