Congratulations to former Lib Dem MP for Newbury, David, Rendel, who was last night selected by Lib Dem members in Somerton and Frome as the party’s parliamentary candidate for the May 2015 general election. David will be attempting to retain David Heath’s seat, won in 2010 with a majority of 1,817 over the Tories.
The party has previously selected a PPC for the seat. Sarah Yong was selected in February this year, but stood down five months later. There had even been speculation that the party was gently arm-twisting David Heath to throw his hat back into the ring.
David Rendel needs no introduction to most Lib Dems. He was the victor of the famous 1993 Newbury by-election, who held the seat in 1997 and 2001. He stood for the party leadership when Paddy Ashdown retired in 1999 (I was one of those who voted for him, but it did him no good: he finished fifth). He attempted a comeback in Newbury in 2010, but to no avail. Famously, he was the only member on the Lib Dems’ Federal Executive to vote against the Coalition.
He knows it’ll be a tough fight in Somerton and Frome. Until 2010 David Heath had held the seat at three consecutive elections with majorities below 1,000. But at 65 there are few more tireless campaigners.
* Stephen was Editor (and Co-Editor) of Liberal Democrat Voice from 2007 to 2015, and writes at The Collected Stephen Tall.
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12 Comments
David is an excellent candidate and deserves every bit of support he can get. David Heath was a tireless local campaigner and if his legacy helps ensure David Rendel gets elected, it will be a fitting tribute to both men.
Well done David Rendel.
This was the constituency my mum lived in for the last years of her life — make sure you win it! 🙂
A good choice,
David’s a bit of a treasure – good news.
Great news! Very best of luck David!
Congratulations to the Lib Dem members of Somerton and Frome for making a very wise choice indeed!
Congratulations to David, friend and colleague! Genuinely delighted!
This is excellent news!
Congratulations David
David is a great, hard working, dedicated campaigner. He will do fine!
No sign of David Rendell at http://www.libdems.org.uk/general_election_candidates#West Midlands
The late Paddy Ashdown said, “I will forgive no one who does not accept the sovereign voice of the British people once it is spoken, whether it be by one per cent or 20 per cent.”
Jo Swinson should remember this.