LETTER: Lib Dems aplenty

From Lord Tope

Sir: I read with interest John Rentoul's article (12 January) about the supposed search for parliamentary candidates the Liberal Democrats are undertaking in London. May I assure Mr Rentoul that whenever the general election is called, every seat in London will have a Liberal Democrat candidate.

There is healthy competition for approval as a prospective parliamentary candidate and London is ahead of its targets for the candidate selection, with about half the constituencies in London having their Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate in place already.

Any appeal for candidates is part of the normal process of "geeing" up the party after the Christmas break. We currently have enough approved candidates to fill the remaining seats, but want more people to come forward for approval so that the remaining local parties have the best possible choice.

Yours etc,

Tope

House of Lords

London, SW1

12 January