Lloyd re-selection welcomed by Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell MP

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 19th May 2006

Stephen Lloyd, who stood as the parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats in Eastbourne & Willingdon at the last General Election, was re-selected by local Lib Dems last weekend with an overwhelming majority. Under the national constitution of the Liberal Democrats, every prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) has to go through a re-selection process. The last General Election result for the Lib Dems saw a cut in Nigel Waterson's majority by half. Eastbourne constituency is now the second most winnable Conservative / Lib Dem marginal in the United Kingdom. Mr Waterson's majority of only 1,124 will be further reduced by East Dean moving to the Lewes constituency at the next General Election due to boundary changes.

The Rt Hon, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, leader of the Liberal Democrats, welcomes Stephen Lloyd's re-selection as the prospective parliamentary candidate for Eastbourne & Willingdon: "I know Stephen well and am very pleased that he has received such a powerful endorsement from local Lib Dems. He was an exceptional PPC at the last General Election and came very close to winning. Stephen is a leading figure within the Lib Dems nationally as a member of our Federal Executive, as well as co-ordinating my Leadership campaign in the South East of England earlier in the year. I look forward to him joining me in Parliament after the next General Election"

Leader of the Borough's Lib Dem Group, Cllr David Tutt added: "I am delighted that Stephen Lloyd has been reselected as the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Eastbourne and Willingdon. Stephen demonstrated not only energy and determination when he fought the seat in 2005, but also a real understanding of local issues. This helped him to halve the Conservative majority and I am convinced that these same skills and knowledge will help us to go one better in the next General Election, and for Stephen to become Eastbourne & Willingdon's Member of Parliament."

Stephen Lloyd said: "It is a privilege to continue representing the Liberal Democrat Party as their parliamentary candidate. I am proud to be a Lib Dem. Our emphasis on equality of opportunity, a properly funded and local NHS, investment in education and freedom for teachers to teach rather than being bedevilled by paperwork. Our commitment to the rule of international law, individual liberty and our longstanding concern for the environment are the reasons, amongst others, why I believe it is vital we have a Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon. I am as determined as ever to lead and offer to local residents a progressive, 21st Century vision for Eastbourne & Willingdon.

"A delay in finalising the selection process as a result of some constitutional changes being implemented across the UK by the national party prevented me from publicly campaigning on many important local issues such as the threat faced by our local hospital. This has obviously been extremely frustrating for me. I'm glad, however, to be back and I am looking forward to taking up the fight again on behalf of local residents.

"Being a governor of Ocklynge School, a Trustee of LINK, a major national charity based in Eastbourne; and my longstanding involvement in the local community all mean that I understand the needs of local people because I share them every day"

Cllr Beryl Healy added: "I am very pleased indeed that Stephen has been re-selected as the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Eastbourne & Willingdon. He came extremely close to winning the last General Election, and the affection and overwhelming support he received from local Lib Dems is matched by many members of the general public in Eastbourne and Willingdon. Stephen is not just a close political colleague he is a good friend. A determined campaigner, he is totally committed to our wonderful town and I'm confident this will ensure him victory at the next General Election".