Chinese LibDem Alex Payton contesting byelection in Newbury

Liberal Democrat members living in Newbury, including the new Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Judith Bunting, have picked two local men who know their law as candidates for the Victoria Ward Newbury Town Council by-elections. Ruwan Uduwerage and Alex Payton are two local community champions who have dedicated themselves to public service and the rule of law.

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera joined the Lib Dems (from Labour) in 2009. He lives locally in Newbury and is a former police officer and sessional lecturer in criminal justice. As the director of the West Berkshire Minority Ethnic Forum he has strong links to the local community. He also serves on several professional bodies for the Liberal Democrats at the national level.

The other is Alex Payton, a barrister based in Newbury with a distinguished record of public service. Alex has lived in West Berkshire for nearly thirty years and previously lived in Thatcham, where he served as mayor. Five years ago he moved to Newbury, where he has worked with a NHS Trust to help improve health service delivery and campaigned to protect a palliative care unit.

Alex said: "As a local resident for nearly thirty years I have consistently worked hard in local government to deliver the best services we can. I will bring extensive legal expertise to Newbury Town Council that will help me to make sure that taxpayers get the best value for money. I think that it is atrocious that at such a difficult economic time, Tories on the District Council have clobbered hard-working families with new car parking charges in Newbury. I have helped collect over 1,700 signatures to stop this reckless policy."

The by-election will be held on 9 May. If you would like to help Ruwan and Alex please contact info@chineselibdems.org.uk