Selection News - Hereford

3.00.00pm GMT Sat 9th Dec 2006

Today Tracey O'Brien and I went to Hereford to provide the local party with Selection Committee Training. Obviously the election of Paul Keetch in 1997 means it has been a long time (1994) since the last proper selection in Hereford for the Liberal Democrat, making it essential that all of the Selection Committee is properly trained. As well as over a dozen members from Hereford Liberal Democrats there were also a few from Leominster to ensure they could also start the process of selection.

I will also take the opportunity now to thank all the people that have contacted me asking me to enter race to succeed Paul Keetch as the MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire. I must admit I have been flattered and have some connection with the seat having worked and lived there and still have many friends there. I have, however, decided not to apply for the seat - I do have political ambitions but it is not to be the MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire. I will work with whoever is selected to ensure the seat stays Liberal Democrat.

After the training I gave the Herefordshire Organiser Owen Howell some 1-2-1 training on EARS as he had previously request it. Later tonight I will be attending a Mince pie and Mulled wine housewarming that my friend Linda is holding in Leominster - quite a Herefordshire day!