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Matt Sanders will fight the Haverstock ward for the Lib Dems in July |
Lib Dems go for youth in bid to seize Labour seat
24-year-old hopes to replace Town Hall’s longest-serving member
LIBERAL Democrats are once again banking on youth as they try to strengthen their power base at the Town Hall in a council by-election.
The party has chosen Matt Sanders to fight the July 12 ballot in Haverstock ward caused by the retirement of long-serving Labour councillor Roy Shaw.
At 24, Mr Sanders would be one of Camden’s youngest councillors should he manage to top the poll.
Mr Sanders, who works for Lib Dem MP Sarah Teather in neighbouring Brent, said: “I’m delighted to be standing in this by-election. Camden is a great place to live but there are also a lot of problems in our area. I have been talking to my neighbours and I share their priorities.”
The Lib Dems already have two councillors in their early to mid-20s, Fred Carver, 22, and community safety chief Ben Rawlings, 25.
Election strategists are playing up the fact that Mr Sanders lives in St Leonard’s Square, in Haverstock ward, while Labour rival Mike Katz lives in West Hampstead.
Lib Dem councillor Jill Fraser, the former mayor who holds one of the seats in the ward, said: “Matt is an excellent, hard-working candidate with a strong desire to serve his community.”
Once a Labour fortress, Haverstock is now split between two Labour seats and one Liberal Democrat. Both parties were out canvassing on Saturday.
The by-election was triggered last month when it was announced that Cllr Shaw, the longest-serving member at the Town Hall, with more than 50 years’ service, could no longer continue due to ill health.
He will be made an honorary alderman, the first time any politician in Camden has been given such a title. Colleagues and well-wishers will pay tribute at a special full council meeting on June 6 when Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, a former Camden councillor, is due to join speakers. |
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