Ed Fordham is Hampstead and Kilburn's Lib Dem choice for parliament

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 8th Feb 2007

Ed Fordham is the Lib Dem choice to win Hampstead and Kilburn at the next general election

Liberal Democrats in Hampstead and Kilburn have selected local campaigner Ed Fordham to contest the next General Election.

Hampstead and Kilburn is a new parliamentary constituency formed after boundary changes. It combines parts of Lib Dem-held Brent East and Labour-held Hampstead and Highgate. Independent studies have named the seat as a likely Lib Dem gain from Labour on the new boundaries.

Ed says "It is a great honour to be asked to fight the next election here to be the local Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Kilburn.

"At the next election people will have a chance to pass their verdict on the war in Iraq, the funding crisis facing local hospitals and NHS trusts, the need for urgent action to tackle climate change. These are not small issues - they are urgent and they are important.

"Most people feel that the Labour Party has failed and that they have forgotten the people who elected them. This has become one of the most centralised and authoritarian governments in living memory and the next election will be the chance to eject the Labour Party from office.

"My commitment is to work hard as the local MP - representing all residents, standing up for those who need help, working to provide support for those who seek it. I live in the local area, I know the local issues - many people know me and my work - I will be using the coming weeks and months to lay out my stall and speak direct to local residents about issues that matter to them.

"Tony Blair has stayed too long - not such much lame duck as dead duck - he has become discredited, is undermining the office of Prime Minister and eroding the reputation of politics at large."

The selection took place on Thursday 1st February at a packed meeting at Hampstead Old Town Hall of party members.

Fact file:

# The new parliamentary seat of Hampstead and Kilburn is based on wards in the London boroughs of Brent and Camden.

# The wards are drawn from the current Brent East and Hampstead and Highgate seats.

# Brent East is held by Liberal Democrat Sarah Teather MP.

# Hampstead and Highgate is currently represented by Labour MP Glenda Jackson.

# Ed Fordham was the Liberal Democrat candidate in Hampstead and Highgate at the 2005 General Election.

# Liberal Democrats are the largest party on both Brent and Camden councils.

Related Links:

Read more at www.hampsteadandkilburn.org.uk.

Ed Fordham selected.

Lib Dems set to win new seat.