Lib Dems Select Tom Papworth for Bexley and Bromley

8.50.00pm GMT Sun 17th Feb 2008

Cllr Tom Papworth - fighting for Bexley and Bromley

Local councillor Tom Papworth has been selected to fight the Bexley and Bromley constituency in the London elections. The Liberal Democrats came second in Bexley and Bromley at the last London Assembly elections, pushing Labour into fourth place.

Tom Papworth said "It is an honour to be chosen to campaign on behalf of the people of Bexley and Bromley.

"The Liberal Democrats offer a serious alternative to the failed policies of Labour. My priorities will be to stop Labour closing vital hospital services such as Queen Mary, Sidcup; to help Lib Dem Mayor Brian Paddick cut crime by 20 per cent; and to make public transport in South East London safer, more reliable and better value for money.

"For too long the Conservatives have taken these two boroughs for granted. Our current Conservative Assembly Member became an MP halfway through his term of office, picking up two salaries while only doing half the job. Now they have chosen a would-be Mayor of Lewisham to run in his place.

"Ken Livingstone promised to halve crime in four years but has achieved nothing. Labour has failed in London as it is failing across the country. That is why they came fourth place in the GLA election here in 2004.

"As the local candidate, I am committed to fighting for a better deal for Bexley and Bromley."

Cllr David McBride, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Orpington and the Lib Dem Leader in Bromley said "The Conservatives have taken local people for granted, and with the Liberal Democrats in second place here Tom is best placed to beat them on 1st May"