Lib Dems choose candidate for Erith & Thamesmead

7.43.24pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 14th Mar 2005

Erith & Thamesmead candidate Dr Steve Toole (right) with Charles Kennedy

Local resident Dr Steven Toole has been selected as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate on behalf of the Liberal Democrats for the constituency of Erith and Thamesmead.

Steve, who lives in Brewery Road, Plumstead, and is a national campaigner on environment and transport issues, previously stood in the Plumstead council by-election of 2003 in which he achieved a 8% swing from Labour and pushed the Tories into a poor third place behind the Lib Dems.

Commenting, Steve said: "I am delighted to be chosen by local members of the party to fight the Erith and Thamesmead seat. Standing in the Plumstead by-election of 2003 showed me there is a feeling this area is being taken for granted and that, as nationally, it is only the Lib Dems who can offer a credible alternative.

"I will be campaigning for local people on the issues that matter to them: the soaring crime, the failing transport system, against the grime and litter we increasingly see in Labour's wasteland Britain, against the plans for the Gateway Bridge and Belvedere Incinerator, and attacking the rising levels of council tax which seem to accompany worsening services.

"I urge any local residents who have any concerns which they wish to raise to contact me by email on steven.toole@ntlworld.com or by calling or texting me on 07910 877786. Only the Liberal Democrats can offer the real alternative to Labour in Erith and Thamesmead."