ONE of the Liberal Democrats' most experienced campaigners in Essex has been chosen to fight the new parliamentary seat of Chelmsford at the next General Election.
By Graham Dines
ONE of the Liberal Democrats' most experienced campaigners in Essex has been chosen to fight the new parliamentary seat of Chelmsford at the next General Election.
Stephen Robinson, 40, has twice contested Chelmsford West, which disappears under major boundary changes which give the county an extra MP.
The new seat covers Chelmsford town plus Springfield, Great Baddow and Galleywood.
“One of my biggest concerns in Chelmsford is the range of threats to the environment from local Conservative policies,” said Mr Robinson, who is a Writtle parish councillor and a former Essex county councillor. “Tories in Chelmsford need to act green, not just talk green.
“I am also worried about the Broomfield Hospital plans and the general financial state of our local health services.
“The problems have been caused by over-centralisation and privatisation of public services under both the Conservatives and Labour.”
A graduate of the University of Central Lancashire, Mr Robinson, who lives in Writtle, is married with one son. He is London director for the Royal Institute of British Architects.
He fought Epping Forest for the Lib Dems at the 1997 General Election and Chelmsford West in the 2001 and 2005 elections, pushing Labour into third place last year.
Although the constituency has yet to be fought on its new boundaries, an independent analysis by UK Polling Report calculates that at the last election, the Tory majority would have been 3,700, which leaves the Lib Dems needing a swing of 4.05% to win next time.
Christine Shaw, chairman of Chelmsford constituency Lib Dems, said: “We are delighted to have chosen such an experienced campaigner.
“Stephen will be leading the fight for us on issues such as the Conservative plans to blight large parts of our area with their housing and road schemes.”
Simon Burns, who has been Conservative MP for Chelmsford West since 1983, has made it clear he wishes to stand for Chelmsford and the Tories will meet in the spring once their new constituency association has been formed.
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