CLD Chair Phil Ling selected by his local party to stand in byelection on 8 August

Merton Liberal Democrats have selected Norman Road resident Phil Ling as their candidate for the Colliers Wood by-election on August 8th.

Mr Ling is an experienced local campaigner, having been at the forefront of the Lib Dems' campaign for a default 20mph limit on residential roads in the borough. He is 32 and lives in Norman Road. He works as a marketing and strategy consultant.

Local campaigner Phil Ling said:

"I'm delighted to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Colliers Wood. For me politcs is about three things: increasing opportunity for all; thinking for the long term and positive politics.

"I believe in a society which offers opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to succeed - but too often people are just fighting to keep their heads above water. For example, there's much more that could be done to help people cut the rising cost of energy bills and energy use, I'll be campaigning to highlight this.

"And too much about politics is about quick fixes and meaningless slogans, but we need to think long-term. We need living streets that are safe for people - that's why I support the campaign for a default speed limit of 20mph on Merton's streets, where people shop, walk, cycle and go to school. Making higher speed limits the exception lowers the overall speed of traffic, reduces injuries and damage from accidents, and cuts pollution. But behaviour isn't going to change overnight, it's a process.

"Lastly, I'm keen to do what I can to restore trust in politics by my actions. I will be advocating positive politics where solutions, not criticism, are the main theme: I will not be playing politics in this election, I hope other parties will do the same.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to listen to people so that I can act as an independent voice for residents".

Merton Lib Dem leader Cllr Iain Dysart said:

"Philip is a local resident and campaigner who works very hard and it's great news that he will be standing in Colliers Wood as a Liberal Democrat.

"During these economically difficult times, it is clear that we need another strong voice on the Council, working on long-term solutions that will make Merton more liberal".

[If you are able to help in Phil's campaign, please contact info@chineselibdems.org.uk]