Hussein Mirza and Margaret Bretherton have been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidates for the forthcoming Town Council by-election in the Thame South Ward

You can help make Thame an even better place to live. If you live locally, please download and complete our Thame Survey and return to: Stephen Kearney, Thame Lib Dems, FREEPOST, Oxford, OX1 1YA

Recent News from Thame

• Jun 22, 2008:
  • No to ID cards, yes to more police
    A survey of South Oxfordshire residents has shown that local people are opposed to Labour's ID card plans. Most people questioned believed that putting more police on patrol would be more effective in the battle against crime and anti-social behaviour. Local campaigner Stephen Kearney said: "I have opposed Labour's ID card plans since they were first proposed. They are expensive and ineffective." "Instead of wasting literally billions of pounds on a pointless piece of plastic, we should invest properly in our hard working police service." "A stronger police presence on patrol on our towns and streets will act as a powerful deterrent to crime and antisocial behaviour." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 19, 2008:
  • Dorchester Abbey Hustings Meeting This Evening
    There will a hustings meeting this evening (19th June) for the Henley by-election at Dorchester Abbey. Lib Dem candidate Stephen Kearney is looking forward to meeting with local residents and answering questions. Four other candidates standing in the by-election are also expected to attend. The timetable for the evening is: 7.00pm Event opens - Candidates available to meet constituents 7.30pm Each candidate to give a 5 minute overview of their main policies / intentions for the future if they are elected Followed by questions until approximately 8.45pm Refreshments will be available during the first half hour and afterwards. This event will be a mixture of formal and informal with the opportunity to meet the candidates, hear each of them make a brief statement and give public answers to questions posed by the audience. The Abbey will be open from 7pm and the candidates will each be invited to address those present briefly from 7.30pm. Questions from the floor will follow. Dorchester Abbey is situated between Oxford and Reading just off the A4074. Refreshments will be available at the beginning and end of the meeting. Parking is available in Dorchester Recreation Ground (approximately 10 minute walk). Please note that there is limited parking in the village itself. All constituents are welcome to attend and further details may be obtained from the office at Dorchester Abbey 01865 340007 email enquiries@dorchester-abbey.org.uk Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 18, 2008:
  • John Howell missing on key Oxfordshire countryside votes
    John Howell: missed two key votes on protecting the Oxfordshire countryside yesterday Conservative candidate and Oxfordshire County Councillor John Howell yesterday missed two key votes on protecting the Oxfordshire countryside. The votes were against a new so-called 'eco-town' near Otmoor, which would significantly increase traffic levels in the area. Mr Howell has come under fire in the national press for having links to property developers whilst in his election literature claiming that he will defend the Oxfordshire countryside. Lord Rennard, Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats said: "Serious questions are being asked of Mr Howell. "How can he claim to stand up for the Oxfordshire countryside when he cannot even turn up to vote on this vital issue? "Local people will expect better from someone who is campaigning to be their MP." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 16, 2008:
  • John Howell must answer questions on links to developers
    The Liberal Democrats have today written to the Conservative candidate in the Henley by-election, John Howell, urging him to clarify his links to property developers for the sake of local residents. Mr Howell has so far failed to deny his links to a firm that helps property developers build on green belt and green field sites. Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats, Lord Rennard said: "Local people deserve to know the full facts about John Howell's links to property developers. Protecting the countryside is a vital issue in this election. "John Howell's links to firms that want to develop in controversial locations poses questions about his suitability to be the local MP. "Many people will think it is hypocritical of John Howell to have such strong links to developers whilst saying on his election literature that he wants to 'Defend South Oxfordshire's Green Belt'." The full text of the letter from Lord Rennard delivered today reads: Dear Councillor Howell, I am sure you would like the opportunity to present your case regarding your links to property developers to local residents. Could you please clarify your situation by responding to the following questions? 1) Will you list all the clients you have advised or trained for Savills Hepher Dixon? 2) Will you list all the clients you have advised for Write Angle PR? 3) Will you list all the clients you have advised or trained for Dialogue? 4) Why have you chosen not to declare your work for Savills Hepher Dixon and Write Angle PR in your Register of Interests on Oxfordshire County Council? 5) Have you ever been involved in advising Savills Hepher Dixon or their clients or any other property developers on applications to build on greenfield or Green Belt sites? 6) Which developments were you referring to when you described "large and contentious land and property developments" on your Write Angle PR website? 7) Have you advised or trained Roger Smith, Director (Oxford) of Savills Hepher Dixon who is described on the company's website: 'expertise is principally the promotion if major residential schemes, both brownfield and greenfield'? 8) Are there any other firms involved in planning issues or property development that you receive financial gain from? 9) Do you receive a retainer, salary, dividend, share of profits or any other payment from Savills Hepher Dixon? 10) Have you ever received a retainer, salary, dividend, share of profits or any other payment from firms connected to property developers? 11) Have any of the people you have trained or advised been involved with any developments in Oxfordshire on greenfield or Green Belt land? 12) Have you ever been in a business partnership with individuals that have links to property developers? I hope that your answers to these questions will enable local residents to come to a considered opinion as to which candidate is in the best position to defend the local countryside. I would be grateful if you could provide me with an immediate response to my questions. Yours sincerely, Lord Rennard Chief Executive, Liberal Democrats Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • From the Daily Mirror: "Tory John Howell in green belt row"
    Links: Consultant John Howell A Tory who vows to "stand up for the green belt" works for a firm specialising in building on greenfield sites. John Howell, fighting the Henley by-election, boasts on a campaign leaflet his "track record" means "people can see ... I mean it". He works for PR firm Write Angle, whose website says he "is consultant to Savills Hepher Dixon (providing) communications and political lobbying consultancy on large and contentious ... property developments". Savills' website says it oversees "large scale" green belt developments and advises on building in areas of outstanding natural beauty and conservation areas. Related Links Full Daily Mirror story: "Tory John Howell in green belt row" Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 11, 2008:
  • Hands off our countryside
    Local campaigner Stephen Kearney is pledging to be a champion for the local countryside as our next MP. Many people are concerned about threats to countryside and Green Belt land in South Oxfordshire. Developers are queuing up to build housing in our area. South Oxfordshire District Council is looking for a place to put 1,000 new houses - possibly near Thame. Some Conservative and Labour County Councillors want to build in the Green Belt near Oxford. But with the Government wanting to build thousands of new houses each year, nowhere in South Oxfordshire can be considered safe from development. Even after recent flooding problems, the Government still seems set on building more houses on flood plains. Stephen Kearney said, "This is a beautiful part of England. The countryside is central to our way of life here. I will always fight alongside local residents and community groups to protect it as our local MP." Mr Kearney believes that local people should be given much more of a say about development in their area. He added, "There is need for more low cost housing to help children of local people get on the property ladder. But this should be tackled through small low impact schemes in consultation with local communities." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 8, 2008:
  • Show your support for Stephen Kearney with a poster
    A range of window and garden posters are now available for supporters of Stephen Kearney to show their support for him during the Henley by-election. To get your own garden or window poster, email posters@henleylibdems.org.uk or ring 01844 217 030. Stephen's team will happily put up the garden poster for you, and then take it away again after the election. Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 7, 2008:
  • Village pubs forced to call time
    Local Lib Dems are backing calls to protect village pubs. "They are the hub of the local community and a social focal point" said Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Kearney. Stephen Kearney, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary campaigner for the Henley constituency has launched a survey to investigate the viability of rural pubs across South Oxfordshire. According to the British Beer and Pub Association pubs have been closing at the rate of twenty seven a week across the country - nearly four every day. Stephen said: "The British pub is a cherished institution that is frequently at the very heart of local communities. I have launched my survey to find out what factors are causing local pubs to struggle and what steps can be taken to protect landlords from having to call time for good." Related Links Stephen Kearney's Rural Pub Survey Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 4, 2008:
  • Stephen Kearney pays tribute as Boris Johnson resigns as MP for Henley
    Boris Johnson [Photo by John Hemming source Wikipedia: Image under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 License] Stephen Kearney has today paid tribute to Boris Johnson after his announcement this morning that he was stepping down as MP for Henley. The most likely date for the by-election is 26 June. An announcement by the Treasury this afternoon confirmed that "The Chancellor of the Exchequer has today appointed Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead." The"Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead" is a paid office of the Crown, which automatically disqualifies the Member from holding a seat in the House of Commons. Boris Johnson is therefore no longer the MP for Henley. Liberal Democrat campaigner Stephen Kearney said: "Local people really took Boris to their hearts after he came here in 2001. There is clearly a lot of affection for Boris across the Henley Constituency. He is a real character and became an important figure in the local community in his time here. "Boris will be a tough act to follow, but I am looking forward to showing local people that I am up to the job in the coming weeks." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 2, 2008:
  • Stephen Kearney calls for honest and positive campaign
    Stephen Kearney: it's important we have a positive and honest campaign in Henley Liberal Democrat campaigner Stephen Kearney has today called on John Howell and the Conservatives to join him in fighting a positive and honest campaign in the upcoming Henley by-election. Mr Kearney has today written to the Conservative candidate John Howell urging him to withdraw a Conservative campaign leaflet being distributed today which contains a mis-truth about where Mr Kearney lives. Mr Kearney moved to Aston Rowant in the Henley Constituency some weeks ago as he promised local people he would do when he was first selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate. Liberal Democrat campaigner, Stephen Kearney said: "It is extremely disappointing that the Conservatives have started off on this negative footing. The Conservatives are well aware that I now live in Aston Rowant in the constituency. I promised local people that I would move to the constituency as soon as I was selected and that is what I have done. I do hope that Mr Howell will join me in fighting a positive and honest campaign rather than carrying on in this negative vein. For me it is important that we debate the issues that matter to local people such as tackling anti-social behaviour, saving local services and protecting our precious countryside. Liberal Democrat Deputy Director of Campaigns, Neil Fawcett said: "It is very telling that the Conservatives have started in such a manner. Clearly they know the Liberal Democrats are the main challengers in Henley and are worried about our challenge. Our campaign has been up and running for several weeks. Nick Clegg has sent a survey to local people which has received a tremendous response and Stephen Kearney has been busy sifting through the responses and taking up their local issues. It is very clear from talking to local people that they want an MP who will be a strong voice for local people, in Stephen Kearney we have that person." Related Links Copy of letter sent by Stephen Kearney to Councillor John Howell Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 31, 2008:
  • Kearney campaigning across the Henley Constituency
    Liberal Democrat Campaigner Stephen Kearney has today been campaigning across the Henley Constituency. Stephen besides his regular campaigning activities has visited both the Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's May Fair at Kenton Theatre and the 'Flower Festival' at St Mary Magdalene, Crowmarsh Gifford. Liberal Democrat Campaigner, Stephen Kearney said: "Local events such as these are so important to local communities and it was really great to see such a volunteer spirit pulling together. It is really great to be living here alongside such fantastic voluntary organisations that really enrich the fabric of community life. "I was really pleased to support the work of the Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and I'm really looking forward to their musical version of Titanic. The local arts and craft stalls were really amazing and were a tremendous tribute to the hard work and dedication that local people put in. "The Flower Festival was a really heart-warming experience with so many local people pulling together to create a really great day out for local people. The Floral displays in the church were truly beautiful and the work of Reverend Jeremy Goulston and his congregation must be congratulated by all." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • "Will Labour lose their deposit in Henley?" asks the Guardian
    The Guardian has rubbished the chances of the Labour Party in Henley, raising the possibility that Labour will gain less than 5% of the vote. Labour came third in the last two General Elections in Henley, and the Liberal Democrats are the only serious opposition to the Conservatives for the seat. The Guardian article on 31st May said: "Labour, who came third at the general election stand no chance in the by-election but their candidate could risk losing his or her deposit, if the party's current position in the opinion polls is a guide." Liberal Democrat campaign manager for Henley, Miranda Roberts, commented: "With Labour in a poor third place last time and national opinion polls showing Labours vote in freefall, it's clear that only Stephen Kearney and the Liberal Democrats can challenge the Conservatives here in Henley." Related Links The Guardian article "Tories select local councillor to fight Boris Johnson's Henley seat" in full 2005 Henley General Election Result 2001 Henley General Election Result Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 30, 2008:
  • John Howell's selection as Conservative candidate for Henley welcomed by Liberal Democrats
    After a difficult selection process, the Conservatives have settled on County Councillor John Howell as their candidate in the forthcoming by-election. The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news of the selection. Liberal Democrat candidate and charity boss Stephen Kearney said: "I am looking forward to debating the issues that affect people across the Henley constituency with Councillor Howell in the coming weeks." "Our campaign has been up and running for several weeks, Nick Clegg has surveyed the entire constituency and we are getting a very warm reception on doorsteps. We are ready for the Conservatives to fire the starting gun whenever they are ready to provide local people with a date." Liberal Democrat Deputy Director of Campaigns Neil Fawcett said: "We are delighted that the Conservatives have settled on Councillor Howell. The selection of a senior County Councillor will provide local people with the chance to have their say on rising Council Tax bills and the Conservatives' record in Oxfordshire. "Stephen Kearney will be a strong voice for local people. He has an excellent track record of listening to local communities as part of his charity work. Stephen has already taken up a number of local issues such as the loss of local services, expansion onto the green belt and anti-social behaviour." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 26, 2008:
  • Liberal Democrats top green ratings
    The Green Standard - www.thegreenstandard.org.uk A new report into the green policies of the major parties makes grim reading for David Cameron. Mr Cameron's Conservatives were judged to be the worst of the parties on the environment. Mr Brown's Labour Party were shown to have missed their own targets on carbon emissions and renewables. There was good news for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats. Mr Clegg's party were the clear green winners in the report. The 'Green Standard' report was conducted by the UK's leading environmental groups including CPRE, Friends of the Earth and the RSPB. It found that despite talking more about climate change, the Conservatives have "very few policy positions". The Conservatives failed to win a single good rating on any of the report's criteria. Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Kearney said, "This independent report shows that talking green and being green are two very different things." "Both Labour and the Conservatives talk about the environment, but are failing to deliver real action." Tackling climate change On climate change, the report said that the Liberal Democrat plans were "uniquely consistent with the urgency of this challenge." Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg MP said, "We need bold action to tackle climate change." "This means investing in trains, improving energy efficiency and switching from taxing people to taxing pollution instead." Related Links The Green Standard web site Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 25, 2008:
  • Conservatives have let down Oxfordshire's young people
    Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg MP wants a better deal for young people Conservative-run Oxfordshire County Council is under fire for its failure to support local young people. A damning report by Ofsted has slammed the Council for poor GCSE results, lack of provision for youngsters with disabilities and poor career advice. "Lack of provision for local youngsters is a major issue in local towns and villages," said Stephen Kearney. "I know from running my charity that investing in positive activity for young people brings real long term rewards." "Local people recognise this. It's a real shame the Conservative County Council doesn't seem to understand this." Earlier this year Conservative Councillors RULED OUT extra investment in youth facilities proposed by local Lib Dem councillors. "The Lib Dem budget proposed half a million pounds extra investment to support youth facilities provided by local communities," explained County Councillor David Turner. "Sadly the Tories voted this plan down, refusing to acknowledge the support local communities and local parish and town councils give to youth provision." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 24, 2008:
  • Hughes officially opens Henley by-election headquarters
    Henley Liberal Democrat Campaign HQ Opening: Catherine Bearder, Stephen Kearney, Simon Hughes MP and Sharon Bowles MEP President of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes MP has today officially opened the Liberal Democrats Henley by-election headquarters in Thame. Mr Hughes was joined by a large team of activists in supporting Stephen Kearney's campaign for Henley. Liberal Democrat Party President, Simon Hughes MP said: "The Conservatives will under-estimate the Liberal Democrat challenge at their peril. We have a fantastic team here led by Miranda Roberts who have been campaigning for many weeks already. Stephen Kearney will make a fantastic MP for the local area, he will be a strong voice for local people and will really listen to local communities. "The Liberal Democrats are the clear challengers to the Conservatives in this election. Just two years ago the Liberal Democrats achieved a 14% swing from the Conservatives, if we do the same here in Henley we will take the seat. "I would urge all Liberal Democrat members to make a visit to our fantastic headquarters. Already the Liberal Democrat by-election machine is in full swing, Nick Clegg has sent out a survey to local residents and thousands of replies have been flooding back to the HQ. There are lots of local leaflets and surveys being distributed already and many more are being produced." Related Links See Photos from the opening of the Lib Dems Henley By-election Campaign HQ Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • "Enough is Enough" says Kearney as cost of living soars
    Soaring fuel bills are hitting local residents says Stephen Kearney Rising petrol prices, utility, council tax and food bills are hitting local residents hard. Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Kearney is calling for action to help those worst affected by the price rises. Mr Kearney said, "The cost of basic items like eggs and butter have gone up by a third in just a year. "The size of these price rises is hurting everyone, but especially those on lower and fixed incomes. The pension and wage increases people receive don't come close to covering the rising costs. "We need action from the Government now to improve pensions and tackle economic problems." Rising costs and the poor state of the economy are just two of the reasons for Gordon Brown's massive unpopularity. Labour's 10p tax hike on lower paid workers and pensioners has proved to be the final straw for many. Stephen Kearney said, "Labour have lost the plot. We need fresh ideas and a real change in Britain." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • M40 noise misery
    Villagers living near the M40 are being let down by the Highways Agency, says Lib Dem Campaigner Stephen Kearney. "The M40 through South Oxfordshire does not meet modern standards for noise prevention. Thousands of local residents are affected by the noise," says Stephen. "There are straight-forward solutions that could make a real impact. Measures such as fitting modern noise reduction barriers on stretches near local villages and quiet carriageway surfaces would make a real difference. "This would not be a huge cost in the context of the Highways Agency budget - we just need the will to be there." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 23, 2008:
  • Post Offices Set to Close: "Where will the cuts stop?" asks Kearney
    Fighting for Local Services: Campaigner Stephen Kearney More local Post Offices face the axe despite strong opposition to the closures by local residents. They are the latest in a long line of Post Office closures which have taken place under successive Conservative and Labour Governments. The Post Offices at Crowmarsh and Stanton St John will be closed, along with twenty others across Oxfordshire. Post Office Ltd even admitted that there was no public transport service to alternative branches from Stanton St John. Despite strong opposition from residents, the Post Office has made no changes to its proposals as a result of consultation. "It is very sad to see post offices close. They play a vital role in local communities," said Liberal Democrat Campaigner Stephen Kearney. The Conservatives closed 3,500 Post Offices when they were in power and Labour have now closed a further 4,000. Stephen Kearney said, "Local people are wondering when will the closures stop?" "This decimation of the Post Office network highlights the lack of understanding Labour and the Conservatives have of the needs of local communities." In contrast the Lib Dems have set out a clear plan to bring investment into the Post Office network and secure its future. Stephen Kearney said, "Our plan would give a real investment of £2 billion to the post office network." "It would increase the services offered at local branches and improve the network so that every community that needs a post office gets one." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 15, 2008:
  • Stephen Kearney will dedicate himself to local people: Bearder
    Catherine Bearder congratulates Stephen Kearney: "Stephen is a great candidate with enormous energy and drive and will set this campaign alight. Good luck to him and the local team." Stephen Kearney has received the warm backing of the Lib Dems 2001 General Election candidate for Henley-on-Thames, Catherine Bearder. Stephen Kearney has been selected by the Liberal Democrats to be their candidate for the Henley-on-Thames by-election. Catherine Bearder was the candidate for Henley in the 2001 General Election when Boris Johnson first stood in Henley. In November, the Liberal Democrats elected Catherine to 2nd place on their South-East England list for the 2009 European elections. Catherine said: "I am delighted that Stephen has been chosen to fight for the people of this area. They have too long been abandoned by their MP for the celebrity life in London with sometimes two other jobs as well as supposedly representing them in Westminster. "Now Boris Johnson has permanently left his constituency for London he should stand aside for a person like Stephen who will dedicate himself to the local people and not get distracted by the bright lights." Published and promoted by South East Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, 1 Lower End, Benson Road, Ewelme, Oxfordshire OX10 6HB Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY