Lib Dems Select Llansamlet Candidate

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th Jun 2007

Local Llansamlet campaigner Carole Jones has been chosen by a vote of the Swansea East Liberal Democrats to represent the Welsh Liberal Democrats for the up-coming Llansamlet By-election.

Carole is the daughter of local Independent Councillor June Evans but has a strong record of involvement in local organisations and activities in her own right. A former nurse at Morriston Hospital, Carole has worked in Parc Prison, the Hillside Secure Unit and the Youth Offending Team in Merthyr Tydfil before becoming a partner in the New Mex Pub in Landore. She lives at 10 Clos Derwen, Llansamlet with her two sons, Christopher and Alex.

Carole is an active member of Trallwn Community Centre and a regular attender at PACT meetings around the area. She is a former parent governor at Birchgrove Comprehensive School and was Chair of the PTA at Talycoppa School. She particularly wants to focus Welsh Liberal Democrat campaigning work at tackling anti-social behaviour issues, especially in Trallwn and the Frederick Place area.

The By-election has been caused by the long awaited resignation of Councillor Lawrence Bailey, who has quit the Council to concentrate on his new career as a consultant. His resignation comes after a turbulent 12 months in which the former Council Leader was arrested and cleared by Police over claims he had illegal pornographic images on his Council laptop. No charges were brought but a report was passed to the Local Government Ombudsman who, it is understood, is due to publish his findings shortly.

Mr Bailey was in charge of Swansea Council when the decision was taken to close the city's popular Leisure Centre. That action was reversed by the new Lib Dem-led Administration and the popular facility is due to re-open at the end of this year.

"I am very grateful to the Swansea East Lib Dems for selecting me" said Carole, "I will do everything I can to get elected in Llansamlet and give the voters there a real choice" she added.

"Carole is an exceptional candidate and will give Labour a run for their money - it's a 2 horse race in Llansamlet Carole or Labour!" added Rob Speht, Parliamentary Spokesperson.