Nigel Bakhai selected as Liberal Democrat candidate for the Ealing Southall by-election

12.34.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 2nd Jul 2007

Nigel Bakhai, Ealing Southall candidate

Local choice Nigel Bakhai is set to challenge Labour once more in Ealing Southall, after being selected by Ealing Southall Liberal Democrats. Nigel Bakhai doubled the Liberal Democrats vote at the 2005 General Election.

The Liberal Democrats are the main challengers to Labour in the seat. They were second at the last General Election.

Local Liberal Democrat Nigel Bakhai said "Living in the heart of the constituency I know the issues that local people face. Labour has taken our area for granted for too long. This election is about local people electing the best MP to represent our area. People here want to know why our streets aren't safe, why the local NHS is in deficit and why the government squandered millions on an illegal war in Iraq. On all these issues it is the Liberal Democrats who are taking the fight to Labour here in Ealing and Southall."

Lord Rennard, Liberal Democrat Chief Executive said "Nigel is a first class candidate and a very experienced local campaigner. The Liberal Democrats are the main challengers in this seat. We were second at the last General Election when our vote doubled. Labour know this and are running scared. They have called this by-election at extremely short notice because they know that the Liberal Democrats are the main threat. Many Liberal Democrat MPs have already been out campaigning in the constituency over the last few days. Menzies Campbell is set to visit Ealing Southall several times in the next few weeks to take the fight to Labour."