Willesden campaigner selected as Lib Dem candidate for Brent Central

Lauren Keith will battle to keep the hotly contested seat for her party at the General Election in May.

Previous candidate Ibrahim Taguri quit the party after he was accused of trying to bypass donation rules.

Ms Keith has played an active part in her community and was involved in the successful campaign to stop the Queensbury Pub in Walm Lane, Willesden, from being demolished and replaced with flats.

If Ms Keith wins the seat she has pledged to donate any pay rise over the term to support local community library campaigns in the constituency.

She said: “I’m honoured and pleased to be fighting to represent my home Brent. I have lived in the area for several years and have been involved in campaigning to help save the Queensbury pub and protect local library provision.

“Recently, I have been active in petitioning against Labour’s £40 green bin tax and visitor parking scratchcards.”

“I look forward to taking on Labour’s poor local record and fighting to continue Sarah Teather’s excellent local and national work for the area. I will do this by pledging to continue the open surgery through which Sarah has helped thousands of residents and been able to listen to the issues that matter to residents. I will fight a fairer deal for renters and campaign for more affordable housing. I will also fight to maintain and develop our vibrant high streets such as Cricklewood Broadway and Willesden High Road through lobbying for a fairer business rates system and greater protection for smaller businesses.”

Sarah Teather, the Lib Dem MP for Brent Central, is stepping down in May.

She added: “I’m delighted that Lauren has been chosen to be the Lib Dem candidate to succeed me. I know her well and have worked closely with her in Brent for a number of years.

“Lauren cares passionately about the area and her energy and hard work are exactly what we need in a Member of Parliament. I urge local people to support her.”