FORMER BBC television and radio newsreader and presenter Laurie Mayer is seeking a new career – as a Suffolk county councillor.Mr Mayer, who lives in Woolverstone on the Shotley peninsular, has been chosen by the Liberal Democrats to fight the Samford division, which after boundary changes will cover the villages of Capel St Mary, East Bergholt and Stratford St Mary.

By Graham Dines

FORMER BBC television and radio newsreader and presenter Laurie Mayer is seeking a new career - as a Suffolk county councillor.

Mr Mayer, who lives in Woolverstone on the Shotley peninsular, has been chosen by the Liberal Democrats to fight the Samford division, which after boundary changes will cover the villages of Capel St Mary, East Bergholt and Stratford St Mary.

Mr Mayer, who is 58 and retired from the Corporation last year, said he had always had close links with Suffolk.

"My wife was born and bred in Woolverstone and we spent 30 years of family holidays here after we were married.

"I have always held left wing views and joined the Liberal Democrats when I retired. I am very interested in community politics and believe that I have an excellent chance of ensuring the Lib Dems has as many councillors as possible after May 5's elections."

The Lib Dems have been in a joint administration, running Suffolk with Labour, since the Tories were ousted after 100 years in power in 1993.

Samford division is currently represented by Lib Dem Adi Lavender, who is not seeking re-election. The Conservatives have chosen David Yorke-Edwards as their candidate.