Cameron comes to Southall

TORY leader David Cameron visited Southall on Thursday to champion Tony Lit as the Conservative challenger for the area's next MP.

Mr Cameron walked along Southall Broadway at 2.30pm, shaking hands with shoppers, businessmen and school children.

Talking to the Ealing Times Mr Cameron said: "We have got a strong candidate who knows the community well and is popular.

"He knows the issues and he has helped build a business in Ealing Southall. I think that's a very good start.

"Obviously Piara Khabra was a respected Member of Parliament - I respected him as a Conservative but I sat across from him.

"But what matters most of all is who's going to be the strongest voice in parliament for Ealing Southall and I think someone with Tony's background, experience and knowledge of the community is absolutely first class.

"You saw the reaction walking down the street - not every Conservative gets that reaction I can tell you."

But David Cameron's visit was both confusing and upsetting for some.

One youth talking to his friend on his mobile phone said: "I can't come - I'm meeting Tony Blair."

To which Mr Cameron replied: "No you're not - wrong one."

And when Mr Cameron was presented with a crying baby he joked: "My speeches often have that effect on people - it's just one of those things."

Talking to the Times about the recent spate of violence he said: "We want to see tougher sentences and we want more police on the streets.

"Ealing Council are putting 50 community support officers onto the street but Tony and I agree we have to do long term things.

"We have got to start backing the family. We have got to start getting behind family values and community values because in the long term that is what is going to make a difference.

"There are to many kids without dads around to provide proper role models.

"We need to make sure we don't have a tax and benefit system that encourages families to break apart."

The visit to Southall started the Conservative campaign to get local businessman Tony Lit, of Sunrise Radio, elected in the by-election following Piara Khabra's recent death.

Mr Lit, the son of Avtar Lit, named as one of the 20 Most Powerful Asians, said: "I'm delighted to be the Conservative Party candidate for Ealing Southall.

"Under David Cameron's leadership this is a party that recognises people from all backgrounds.

"I look forward to working hard for the people of Ealing and Southall, a community I have served for 10 years as a local business leader and volunteer on Southall regeneration projects."

The Labour Party was also out in force in Southall on Thursday with the message that they were determined to continue looking after people in the area.

Labour councillors gathered on Ealing Broadway and handed out leaflets dedicated to Piara Khabra saying: "Southall Champion: Piara Khabra - 1921-2007."

Labour has not yet decided on which candidate will be go up against Mr Lit for the by-election, expected to take place around July 19.

Julian Bell, who was Mr Khabra's parliamentary researcher, said: "Unlike the Tories we elect our candidate in a democratic way.

"The National Executive will determine a short list and then all of the members will determine who the candidate is.

"That should all be in place sometime next week."

The Liberal Democrats are expected to announce their candidate on Monday.

Ealing Times