|
|
Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Dominic Carman writes… Why I want to be the Liberal Democrat London mayoral candidate for 2012
March 24, 2011 10:45 AM
• [Mar 23] Dominic Carman writes: THE Liberal Democrat candidate for London Mayor faces enormous challenges: an uphill task on many fronts. It will be very tough. But I'm used to tough fights, having contested the Barking seat at the general election last year and the Barnsley Central by-election earlier this month. To borrow a phrase, London needs someone with muscular liberalism.
I believe I have the right combination of political commitment, intellectual vigour, business acumen and international experience, which would serve the party and the city well. Some may see me as a usurper, an upstart, an underdog, but I recognise the obvious requirements for a high calibre mayoral candidate: someone with gravitas and credibility; someone who will effectively promote Liberal Democrat values; someone who will forcefully challenge Boris and Ken; someone with new ideas who can do an outstanding job for London and for Londoners, both at home and abroad. This makes me determined to fight to win the Lib Dem nomination . .
Recently, I fought the Barnsley Central by-election in very difficult circumstances, where the Lib Dem vote collapsed and the party finished sixth, although only 980 votes separated third from sixth place. In taking on these two challenging, very safe Labour seats, I have learned a great deal about tough campaigning, fighting my corner and that of the party, in adversity. I recently wrote for the Guardian about the lessons to be learned.
It has made me stronger, wiser, and more determined to use my experience in taking the Liberal Democrat argument forward at the mayoral candidate level, given the opportunity. In presenting Londoners with a serious, positive alternative to the Boris and Ken show, I will then listen to Londoners and deliver on their behalf.
• Dominic Carman writes… Why I want to be the Liberal Democrat London mayoral candidate for 2012
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats