Shaffaq Mohammed selected for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the forthcoming Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough Parliamentary by-election is Shaffaq Mohammed:

The city councillor for the Ecclesall ward launched his campaign for the parliamentary seat earlier today (Wednesday, March 2). The seat has been vacant since the death of the late Labour MP Harry Harpham in February.

Coun Mohammed said: “It is time Labour stopped taking local people for granted.

“I have fought for Sheffield to have a liberal voice all my life. Labour has failed the people of Sheffield by being anti business, our city is open for business and welcomes companies who want to invest here. I will fight to bring jobs to Sheffield and give people employment opportunities so residents can stay and work in Sheffield.

“I will make the positive case for another liberal voice in Sheffield.”

Coun Mohammed joined the city council 11 years ago. He was awarded an MBE last year for his charity and community work. [Sheffield Star]

Back in 2011 Shaffaq Mohammed wrote of his political background:

I know first hand what it was like to grow up in Sheffield in the 1980s. My father, a steelworker, was made redundant by the actions of the Thatcher Government. Just like thousands of other Sheffielders we suffered during the ensuing battles between the savage Tory Government and the dogmatic local Labour Council led by the likes of David Blunkett. A sad moment in Sheffield’s history that – although it helped to shape my political outlook – should never be repeated…

It has been a privilege to serve as a councillor and it’s humbling for a boy who moved to Sheffield from Kashmir, aged 4, to become Leader of the Lib Dems in the city.

You can donate to the local Liberal Democrat team in Sheffield here.