Stockton South Candidate Chosen

10.26.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th May 2008

Jacquie Bell

Stockton South Liberal Democrats have selected Jacquie Bell as their candidate for the next Parliamentary election. Jacquie, a qualified social worker, is an experienced campaigner with family living on the nearby North York Moors.

Jacquie said " I am delighted to have been selected for Stockton South. With the decline in Labour fortunes the Conservatives are hoping to win it back but the Lib Dems have excellent policies on education, health, pensions and more. I look forward to working with the local councillors and team."

"We offer Liberal values - freedom, fairness and trust.

Freedom for all to have opportunity to make the most of their lives in a society that values individuals and their differences.

Fairness for all to achieve their potential - not held back by ill health, ignorance, squalor or want. Liberal MP Beveridge's 5 evils are still with us.

Trust - that the Government will listen, be open, tell the truth and keep promises. And Government must trust the people rather than endlessly restrict.

Violet Bonham Carter said " A Britain without Liberalism would be a Britain that has lost its soul" Voters are disaffected from politics after Tory and Labour rule. We need to put the soul back now."