Lib Dems choose Parmjit Singh Gill

11.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Jun 2004

Parmjit Singh Gill has been overwhelmingly chosen by Leicester South Liberal Democrats to fight the forthcoming parliamentary by-election.

Lib Dem Leader Charles Kennedy has already welcomed the selection. "Parmjit is an excellent local choice and he will be a powerful voice in parliament for all the communities in Leicester South.

"The Lib Dems will be the clear and only challengers to Labour in this parliamentary by-election. The Conservatives will not be in the race.

Parmjit Singh Gill said, "The main issues will be Iraq, top-up fees, health and schools. I will be a local MP who will work hard for everyone in our area."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1 The Lib Dems polled 42% of the vote across Leicester South in the last local elections compared with 27% for Labour and only 20% for the Tories.

Lib Dems have Councillors in 6 out of the 7 wards.

2 Parmjit Singh Gill stood in the last general election in Leicester South, increasing the Lib Dem share of the vote. He is an information manager at Charnwood Borough Council, aged 37, and was born in Leicester where he has lived all his life.