Well done to Jo Conchie, who has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Batley and Spen by-election which takes place on 1 July.

From Yorkshire Live:

Ms Conchie, who is also a community volunteer, said her first priority would be to “ensure that our small towns and villages are no longer neglected”.

“I am delighted to have been selected to represent the Liberal Democrats in the Batley and Spen by-election,” she said.

My family are based in Birkenshaw and I’ve seen the entire constituency change drastically over the last two decades. With the Tory government and the Labour councils focusing their attention on Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, we’re not getting our fair share here in Batley and Spen.

“If elected to be your MP my first priority would be to ensure that our small towns and villages are no longer neglected.

“Planning decisions are often made at the expense of our existing residents and destroying our green spaces. I would demand that sufficient infrastructure is in place to support any new developments.

“With years of cuts to funding, we’ve seen local health and social care services in Batley and Spen chronically underfunded. I would fight to change that.”

Jo finds herself in the same position as Ross Pepper in 2016.Ross fought the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election just after the Richmond Park by-election which saw Sarah Olney elected for the first time as Liberal Democrat MP.

Let’s hope that we are celebrating Sarah Green’s victory in Chesham and Amersham when voters in Batley and Spen go to the polls.