THE Liberal Democrats have selected their candidate to fight Ludlow in the General Election when it comes.

They have gone back to a candidate who has stood for them in the past in the constituency.

Community campaigner Heather Kidd, who is also a senior member of Shropshire Council, has been selected to fight for the Liberal Democrats in Ludlow constituency in the forthcoming general election.

She is a campaigner on rural issues with a long-track record of work for south Shropshire.

Ms Kidd has had a career in local Government going back more than 20 years.

She was leader of South Shropshire District Council from 2001-2007, leading the region on recycling, affordable housing and green issues.

Ms Kidd is the high-profile Shropshire county councillor for Chirbury and Worthen. She regularly lobbies ministers for a fair deal for rural areas as one of the senior members of the UK-wide Local Government Association. Outside politics, she is a former science teacher at Bishops Castle Community College and has lived in the constituency for 32 years.

“There has never been such an important time to stand up and be counted,” she said.

“The very thought of the effect of a ‘No deal’ Brexit on local farmers and the rural economy has made me want to stand up for the area I love. People need someone to fight their battles in Parliament, and that is what I pledge to do.”

Ludlow constituency was represented by Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Green from 2001-2005. The Liberal Democrats have a history of being the main challenger to the Conservatives in the Ludlow constituency. However, in the 2017 poll they came behind Labour.

“South Shropshire has a strong Liberal tradition of tolerance and openness which Brexit threatens to end,” Ms Kidd added.

“Our farmers, our tourist economy, our social care and our NHS are all at risk by cutting our links.”