Election Called

5.10.45pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Apr 2005

Reacting the news that the general Election has been called for Thursday 5th may, Ed Fordham, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Hampstead and Highgate constituency said:

"The Liberal Democrats enter this election positive and optimistic. Here in Hampstead and Highgate we will fight a robust and lively campaign. I will be looking to place the issues of the environment and pensions at the top of the agenda.

"I will be a energetic and fresh voice for local people - I make the commitment to be a local constituency MP who will live and work in the seat - Hampstead and Highgate will be my number one priority and I would serve it to the very best of my ability.

"In this election the Liberal Democrats have a clear and costed manifesto, we stand on our principles on issues such as the War in Iraq and we have a real commitment to investing in public services. There are no cheap fixes and there are no gimmicks in what we are proposing and Charles Kennedy is a Leader in touch with the country.

"In this election the Liberal Democrats offer a real alternative to Labour - we are looking to win more votes and more seats across the country in this election and we have Hampstead and Highgate clearly within our sights."