THE Liberal Democrats in north Wiltshire have re-selected Dr Brian Mathew as their parliamentary candidate.

Dr Mathew came second to James Gray (Conservative) in the Wiltshire North seat during the 2015 election, receiving 15.6 per cent of the vote compared to Gray’s 57.2 per cent.

The prominent Lib Dem also ran for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner in this year’s Wiltshire election, losing to the incumbent Angus MacPherson (Conservative).

He said he was “delighted” to have been re-selected to fight the Wiltshire North seat again.

“I look forward to the battle ahead whether that is soon, or in 2020,” he continued.

“North Wiltshire’s current MP James Gray and I see the world in very different ways.

“We were on opposite sides of the Iraq War, he voted for it and I marched against it. In the EU referendum where I campaigned and voted remain, he backed Brexit. And where I wanted 16 and 17-year-olds to have their say, in this vital vote, he voted to stop them.

“We also disagree on the freedom for anyone to choose who they marry, which I agree with and he rejects, and on fox hunting which he wants to legalise and I oppose.

“On all these issues and no doubt many more, I represent the majority opinion in North Wiltshire and he does not.”

He continued: “It is the Liberal Democrats alone who stand united and determined at the liberal, progressive centre of British politics, for a stronger, greener economy and a fairer more just society that creates opportunity for all, irrespective of gender, race, faith or age.

“Our membership has doubled in a year, but there are thousands of people in north Wiltshire who share these values though have not joined us yet.

“I urge them to step forward now, whichever way they have voted in the past. Our country needs the Liberal Democrats like never before, you will be most welcome in our party and we have work to do.”