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The Liberal Democrats have selected their candidate to challenge Marcus Fysh at the General Election next month.

Jo Roundell Greene will challenged the Yeovil seat after their previous parliamentary spokeswoman, Daisy Benson, withdrew citing personal reasons.

At a meeting of the Yeovil Liberal Democrats held yesterday (May 3) at Yeovil Town Football Club Ms Roundell Greene was selected.

She is currently deputy leader of South Somerset District Council and is the granddaughter of former Labour Prime Minister Clement Atlee.

She said: “It is an honour to lead the local Liberal Democrat team into this crucial election. Knocking on doors I am struck by the number of people who have told me how badly they believe our area has been served in parliament since the last election.

“I will ensure that we return to the high standards of representation which David Laws and Paddy Ashdown gave us for 35 years. I am proud to follow this tradition.

“Our NHS is in a dire state despite the excellent work of its dedicated staff, while schools in our area face £3m cuts by 2019 because of the Conservatives. If elected I will fight to make sure we export helicopters from Yeovil, not jobs.”

Daisy Benson withdrew from the race to become Yeovil MP saying that the election has come at the wrong time for her as she is in the process of buying a house.

Paddy Ashdown, Chairman of Yeovil Liberal Democrats said: “David Laws and I are delighted that the flame passes to Jo Roundell Greene who has been an exceptional councillor and champion for our area.

“I know that she will be a brilliant hardworking and effective Liberal Democrat MP who will fight for all, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Jo Roundell Greene was named amongst the best councillors in the country at the Local Government Awards in 2016.

She is a wife, mother and grandmother, and has worked in a chicken factory, as a bricklayer, and as a cleaner.

In her spare time she runs a small catering company and enjoys looking after her animals.