APRIL POND SELECTED FOR NORWICH NORTH

Successful local businesswoman April Pond has been selected for the Liberal Democrats in Norwich North.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner April Pond said:

"I'm delighted to be selected for Norwich North and have the opportunity to follow the work of Ian Gibson.

"Talking to Norwich people, it is clear that they are angry and disillusioned with the way things are at the moment. People are concerned about jobs losses and practical worries and see this Government as failing miserably when they should be working hard to put things right. MPs' expenses and an inability to put in place practical incentives for climate change leave us letdown, ignored and insulted.

"In Norwich North, we have a real opportunity to make a real change.

"It is clear that Labour are set for a very bad election. Charles Clarke has already said that Labour could finish third at the General Election. The Conservatives offer nothing but the same old politics that has let the people of Norwich down.

"On issue after issue, the Liberal Democrats have led the fight for real change while the Conservatives lagged behind. On the economy, on the environment and now on the real reform of politics, it is the Lib Dems that are offering something different."

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg MP said:

"I wish to congratulate April Pond on her selection, the Liberal Democrats could not ask for a stronger candidate to represent the people of Norwich.

"April is Norwich through and through. As a councillor, she has used her passion and entrepreneurial skills to fight for small businesses, help keep St Michael's hospital open and to make the city a cleaner place.

"She would be a breath of fresh air in Westminster and, as an MP, I have no doubt that she will be a tireless champion for Norwich."

Local Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk Norman Lamb said:

"April is the natural successor to Ian Gibson. I'm delighted she has been selected as I have worked closely with her for many years. She is a strong, feisty outspoken businesswoman who knows the county like the back of her hand.

April will be a thorn in the side of Gordon Brown and this Labour Government. I'm really excited about what the Liberal Democrats can achieve in this by-election."

NORWICH NORTH LIB DEMS