The Mirror today reports what visitors to Lewisham Lib Dems’ website knew last week – that Duwayne Brooks, one of the best friends of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence is fighting a council by-election for the Lib Dems:

Liberal Democrats have selected two people committed to working hard on behalf of Downham residents to fight the Council by-elections on February 19th, Duwayne Brooks and Jenni Clutten. They hope to join Cllr Julia Fletcher as the representatives for the area on Lewisham Council.

Duwayne, 33, is well known in Lewisham as a campaigner against knife crime and, if elected, will be working closely with local police and the Safer Neighbourhood Team to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Downham.

Jenni, 20, is a former member of the UK Youth Parliament, and is a student at Goldsmiths University. Jenni is committed to making sure that young people in Downham are given a voice at the Town Hall.

Duwayne said, “I’m thrilled to be standing for the Liberal Democrats in Downham ward. Local people have told me that they want hard-working councillors who will stand up for their interests at the Town Hall, and if elected that is exactly what I will do”.

Jenni said, “The Liberal Democrats have a twenty year record in Downham of helping local people. Labour’s mismanagement of housing in the area, together with the Downham pool fiasco, just proves that they cannot deliver for local people”.

Cllr Chris Maines, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said, “This is an exciting choice by our members. Duwayne and Jenni both have tremendous energy and enthusiasm. They will be great local champions for the people of Downham. Their victory on February 19th will strengthen our team challenging the rather tired Labour party in Lewisham. A win will reinforce the Liberal Democrats as the only serious challengers locally.”

If you’d like to help Jenni and Duwayne’s campaign, please called Janet Hurst on 020 8698 6805 or follow the link below for more details.