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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Introducing Brian Paddick
September 16, 2011 6:30 PM
• [Sep 16] Jonathan Fryer* writes: IN an all-member ballot, London Liberal Democrats have chosen Brian Paddick to be the Party's mayoral candidate in 2012 - and it would be hard to find anyone with a bigger claim to being a Londoner. Born in Balham, he has lived and worked all over the capital, particularly during his career in the Metropolitan Police. He rose to the rank of Deputy Assistant Commissioner, having previously been responsible for territorial policing in all 32 London boroughs. Since leaving the force, he has become a regular commentator on TV and in the Press and has appeared frequently on political programmes such as the Politics Show and Question Time.
Brian will be familiar to everyone who was in any way involved in the 2008 London Mayoral and GLA campaign, when he was also the LibDem candidate. But he is the first to say that he isn't quite the same person. Back then he was fresh out of the Met, a Liberal Democrat ex-policeman (who had gained a certain celebrity for his stances on soft drugs and gay rights) rather than a skilled politician - albeit with hugely valuable experience in dealing with the complex issued of a multicultural society like London, especially in areas such as Notting Hill and Brixton. But since 2008, he has been far more engaged in a broader range of issues and has won increasing respect from political commentators.
From now until the end of the year, Brian will be visiting every corner of the metropolis carrying out a listening exercise, to learn what is on people's minds. He is also working closely with our GLA list candidates - headed by Caroline Pidgeon - and the rest of Team London to highlight recognised issues of concern for Londoners, ranging from soaring public transport fares to poor air quality. Of course, in the wake of this summer's riots Brian's expertise in community policing and crime prevention work are invaluable, while the other two major parties' mayoral candidates are left floundering.
Brian has developed excellent links with many different communities across London, whether they be faith groups, ethnic minorities, LGBT organizations or professional bodies. He is a man for all London and all Londoners, of whom Liberal Democrats can be proud.
* Chairman, London Liberal Democrats
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