Sarah Olney selected as Lib Dem candidate in Richmond Park by-election

Liberal Democrat members in Richmond Park have voted to select Sarah Olney to fight the Richmond Park by-election:

Sarah Olney said after her selection:

This by-election is a chance for people to have their say on Brexit, the NHS and Heathrow. Only a vote for the Liberal Democrats will make a stand against Heathrow and Brexit, not to mention the scandalous underfunding of the NHS.

At the school gate or in Richmond Park you meet people who are really worried about their livelihoods with the Conservatives playing Russian roulette with the British economy. They are also fearful about pollution, noise and congestion resulting from Conservative plans for Heathrow.

I am really grateful to the Liberal Democrats for showing such faith in me, and now I intend to do my absolute best for the people of this wonderful area.

The first by-election poll shows that she has a real chance of winning. She won’t be facing a Ukip candidate (Ukip is backing Zac Goldsmith), nor a Green candidate (who pulled out, backing the Lib Dems). Labour is, however, standing a candidate despite calls from Labour MPs and there is a splinter Conservative candidate on the cards too.