Plymouth LibDems select prospective parliamentary candidates

5.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Aug 2009

Dr Judy Evans and Stuart Bonar

Members of Plymouth Liberal Democrats have selected Dr Judy Evans and Stuart Bonar to be their prospective parliamentary candidates in two of the city's three constituencies at the next election.

Dr Judy has been selected for the new Sutton & Devonport seat, with Stuart set to fight Moor View. The city's parliamentary boundaries will be redrawn at the next election, with the southern half of the city in Sutton & Devonport, and the northern half in Moor View. Plympton and Plymstock will remain in South West Devon.

Dr Judy has worked in Plymouth since 1986, as a local surgeon. She is well known locally for her campaigns for safety in the sun, and fought the seat of South West Devon at the last election, beating Labour into third place.

She said, "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity once again to fight for a Plymouth seat. We all know that Plymouth's health workers deserve better support in Parliament, and I am well placed to understand the problems that they face, to enable them to give our patients the very best possible care.

"As Liberal Democrats, we have long fought to keep CityBus out of private ownership, and I shall continue to help with this campaign, which is now becoming very urgent."

Stuart grew up in Plymouth, attending Manadon Vale Primary School and Devonport High School for Boys, where he was deputy head boy. His family lives in the constituency.

Commenting on his selection, Stuart said, "The Liberal Democrats are offering positive ideas to create a sustainable economy and a fairer society.

"Unemployment in Plymouth has nearly doubled in the last year, so we'd get people back to work with new 'green' jobs. We'll also make sure that the banks don't ever threaten our economy again, by splitting off high street banks from the casino-style banking in the Square Mile. We'll make our high street banks safe and boring, which is just what is needed.

"We'd lift the tax burden on those on low and middle incomes, and make sure that spending on education does not suffer, so that the next generation doesn't play the price for the recession.

"I also want a better deal for our armed forces. If we're going to keep sending young men and women overseas to fight then the very least we owe them is the very best support and equipment."

Both have identified the need to clean up politics as a clear priority. Dr Judy said, "We will shortly publish a joint pledge on expenses, including clear commitments to openness." Stuart added, "I am as angry as everyone else at what's gone on. We need to sort this mess out, and that starts with transparency."

Commenting on his party's prospects in the city at the next election, Steve Barton, chair of Plymouth Liberal Democrats, said, "Labour has lost 20,000 votes here in Plymouth since 1997, and the Tories have lost 5,000. It is only the Liberal Democrats who have gained votes. We are transforming the politics of this city, and this will be a three-way contest next time."