Kevin Lang Selected for Westminster Seat

7.49.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 4th Sep 2006

The Liberal Democrats have selected Kevin Lang as their candidate for their key target seat of Edinburgh North & Leith at the next General Election.

Edinburgh North & Leith is now one of the closest marginal seats anywhere in the country. The Liberal Democrats need a swing of less than 3% to win, ranking the seat as the Lib Dems' 2nd top target seat in Scotland and set to one of the most keenly fought contests at the next Westminster election.

Kevin, who previously worked for Edinburgh West MP John Barrett was selected after receiving over 90% of the vote in an all postal ballot of local party members.

Commenting on his selection, Kevin Lang said,

"I am honoured to have been selected to be the Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith and at such an important time.

"There are many problems to be dealt with in this constituency. Too many people, especially local pensioners, still face a life in poverty, despite 9 years of a Labour Government. People also want real action to protect our local environment and more local police to help tackle crime. These are just some of the issues I will be campaigning on.

"Labour has taken Edinburgh North & Leith for granted for too long. Local people tell me they want a local champion who will put local interests first, not a loyalist Labour MP, who has voted with Tony Blair in 99% of votes in the House of Commons, in many cases against the interests of local people.

"As the party that came a close second last time, the Liberal Democrats are the only party able to beat Labour in this constituency. People will have a clear choice at the next General Election, a Labour MP and Labour Government that has let local people down or a Liberal Democrat MP that will put local people first."

Edinburgh West Liberal Democrat MP, John Barrett added:

"I have known Kevin for many years and am delighted to see that he has been selected. He ran my Westminster office for a number of years, which gave him real hands on experience of the House of Commons. He would be a great MP and is someone who will make a real difference for communities in north Edinburgh.

"Kevin is also well known as one of the best campaigners in the Scottish party and someone with real drive and determination to succeed. Already a key marginal seat, Kevin's selection as the candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith has made the chances of a Liberal Democrat victory in this constituency all the more likely."