Local Lib Dem chairman chosen to fight Sir Malcolm

9.49.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Sep 2009

Robin Meltzer

Local Liberal Democrats have chosen their party chairman to stand against Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP at the next General Election in the newly created constituency of Kensington.

Robin Meltzer, a TV producer by profession, has been Chair of Kensington & Chelsea Liberal Democrats for three years and also serves on the party's London Region Executive Committee.

Most recently, he was the campaign manager for Carol Caruana, the winning candidate in the Colville ward council by-election in Notting Hill in July. The Colville victory was historic because it was the first time the Liberal Democrats had won a council seat in Kensington & Chelsea.

Commenting on Robin Meltzer's selection as prospective parliamentary candidate, Cllr Caruana said:

"Anyone who has ever worked with Robin here in Kensington knows that he is a tireless campaigner for local people. I really can't think of a better prospective candidate as we go into this important election."

Robin Meltzer said:

"It will be a genuine honour to stand for Parliament in my home constituency at the next election.

"Local residents and business owners are struggling with the economy in a mess. Only the Liberal Democrats are offering real solutions to the problems people face every day. Lower taxes for ordinary families, investment in green jobs and public services we can all be proud of.

"Sir Malcolm Rifkind is of course a formidable opponent but I just don't believe he understands local people. He certainly doesn't speak up for residents here. In fact, when do we even see him in our diverse local communities? I will expose this complacency and show how Liberal Democrats would do things differently - it's time we had an MP who really listened to people round here and got things done locally.

"Residents are crying out for some proper opposition but Labour have proved they simply can't provide it. They've got no ideas for Kensington - just like Gordon Brown has run out of ideas for the country.

"With the General and council elections likely on the same day, there will only be one way of making a real change in Kensington: voting Liberal Democrat."