LibDems select local campaigner Martin Thompson as their by-election candidate

1.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 27th Jun 2008

Martin Thompson lives locally, actively campaigns for local services, and will be a champion for Church Street on the council

Local campaigner Martin Thompson was today [27th June] confirmed as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the by-election to be held in Westminster's Church Street ward on Thursday 24th July.

Martin has lived in the area for almost 20 years, and has a track record of fighting for local people.

He has campaigned to protect local shops and Church Street Market from the threat of ever more supermarkets. He has also campaigned against the closure of Lisson Grove post office, used by many local people.

Commenting on his selection, Martin said, "I live locally. I know this area because it's my home, and has been for almost 20 years. If elected, I will be an independent voice on the council and a champion for the Church Street area.

"Take a look at the Conservatives. They have been in power in Westminster ever since the council was set up in the Sixties. That's over 40 years in charge, and what does Church Street have to show for it? Only this week, the area was officially named amongst the most deprived in the whole of England. The Tories have failed Church Street for over 40 years. They deserve to fail in this by-election.

"Labour has let down our area. Lisson Grove post office is being shut thanks to Labour's nationwide post office closure programme. Taxes and prices are going up just as the economy starts to hit the rocks. What bright ideas are Labour councillors talking about? The latest is a call from their leader for a new supermarket on Church Street! They have run out of ideas and run out of steam. No wonder local people are giving up on Labour."

The by-election will be held on Thursday 24th July, with polling stations open from 7am until 10pm.