The Liberal Democrats have selected their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for West Lancashire ahead of the next general election.

Simon Thomson was chosen as the party’s PPC on Tuesday, August 27th.

Yesterday, he told QLocal: "I am honoured to be selected by the West Lancashire Liberal Democrats to be their PPC. I’m delighted to be representing a party that offers a progressive, tolerant and outward looking vision for West Lancashire.

“All over the country the Liberal Democrats are building support and increasing our membership as a result of our clear message regarding remaining in the EU, and West Lancashire is no exception to this.

"The recent European Elections votes in the West Lancashire constituency placed the Liberal Democrats well ahead of the Conservatives and just over a thousand votes behind Labour, which proves that voters are willing to abandon traditional party lines when they believe their vote will make a difference.”

Following Boris Johnson’s controversial prorogation of parliament most commentators believe an election is imminent, indeed Welsh MP David Davies has predicted 'an election being called before the end of September'.

Added Simon: “I want the Liberal Democrats to lead the campaign to remain in the EU in West Lancashire and be the natural home for remainers, as Brexit has the potential to do serious and unnecessary damage to West Lancashire. But, let’s be clear about it, Brexit is a distraction from the everyday issues affecting residents in West Lancashire’s towns and villages.

“The Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust is one of the most indebted in the country owing a reported £104.9 million to the Department for Health and Social Care, whilst other local hospitals in Liverpool, Chorley and Preston are under supported or under resourced by the Government at a time of increasing mental health concerns and inadequate provision for social care.

“Meanwhile local schools are being starved of necessary cash and resources and there are increasing pressures on local services, the police and demand for housing. Residents across West Lancashire are also starting to feel the pinch.

“We cannot fund things by offering tax cuts to big business and high earners and as a country we will take a huge hit to the economy by leaving the EU. West Lancashire deserves better than both the Conservatives and Labour, who are beset by infighting and drifting to the extremes under two divisive leaders.

“We’re appealing to the mainstream, who represent the majority of Britain being left behind by the two larger parties. If elected I would be a vocal MP who would speak up for residents and put West Lancashire’s needs first."

"The recent European Elections votes in the West Lancashire constituency placed the Liberal Democrats well ahead of the Conservatives and just over a thousand votes behind Labour, which proves that voters are willing to abandon traditional party lines when they believe their vote will make a difference.”

It's funny as he fails to mention the Brexit Party which recieved over double the votes of the Lib dems in the EU Elections ? I guess that doesnt support the narrative =/

Lib dems are showing how much of a joke they actually are. They should remove the democrat from their name.