Lionel Blackman selected as candidate for General Election

12.00.00am GMT Sat 23rd Jan 2010

Lionel Blackman has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate to fight the forthcoming General Election in Esher and Walton.

In an area where Labour cannot win, and with long-standing Conservative MP Ian Taylor standing down, it will be a two horse race between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

Lionel Blackman said:

"I am delighted to have the chance to campaign for the residents of Esher and Walton. It's a lovely area, but as with all those in proximity to London it has both its upsides and its challenges.

"I have chosen to stand for Parliament at a time when politics is a dirty word. The appalling behaviour of a number of MPs is not something we can or should put up with. Many MPs with large majorities have become complacent and greedy.

" Some go into politics to help people. As someone who has spent 25 years representing people on legal aid, I hope the voters will accept my focus will be on them not me."

"This election we have a chance to do things differently, to break down the old two-party system, reduce unhealthy majorities and elect new MPs to truly represent our voice. I want to be part of that change."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

In the 2005 General Election the Liberal Democrats secured 30% of the vote in Esher and Walton, leaving the Conservatives with a majority of 7,729 - half of what it was in 1997. The neighbouring seats of Twickenham, and Kingston and Surbiton and held by Liberal Democrat MP's Vince Cable and Ed Davey respectively.