Local Election Campaign Launch - Safer, Fairer & Greener Britain

Today Southampton's Liberal Democrats launch their May 2006 local election campaign fielding a full list of candidates to give the opportunity for everyone in the city to vote for the achievements of the Liberal Democrats in Southampton. It is also the first chance for the voters so Southampton to express their views on the current government since the general election last year.

Launching the national Liberal Democrat campaign for a safer, fairer and greener Britain Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ming Campbell said:

"Labour and Conservative governments have spent decades taking power away from local people. Denying them the right to choose their own policing priorities. Imposing unfair and painful taxes. And letting faceless bureaucrats make decisions about local schools and hospitals they have never visited and will never use."

"That has to stop. It's time to give power back to people and to their communities."

Wishing to fulfill these national pledges the Southampton Liberal Democrats have a full slate of candidates and they are as follows:

Bassett - Liz Mizon

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  Cllr Liz Mizon

  Liz Mizon has been Lib Dem Councillor for Bassett ward for the last 4 years. For 3 she has been Cabinet Member for Communities and Regeneration focusing her attention especially on the battle to lessen anti-social behaviour in the city. She had previously taught in the city and organised Southampton's school governor training programme. For 8 years she lived with her family in Italy where she wrote a walking and touring guide book.

Bargate - Ruth Liskutin

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  Ruth Liskutin

  Ruth is a graduate from the Southampton Institute and local resident who works for branch of a major insurance company. In her free time she enjoys live music, socialising with friends, films (especially science fiction) and of course getting involved in local politics. Her key local interests include - residents parking, environment, initiatives to tackle homelessness and the provision of health & leisure facilities in the ward.

Bevois - Rob Holmes

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  Rob Holmes

  Rob is 24 and lives on Lodge road, the heart of Bevois, where he has lived for several years. He is a graduate from the University of East Anglia, and a research scientist at the University of Southampton, as well as the current chair of the Liberal Democrat Society at the University. He is also a keen cyclist and gardener.

Bitterne - Rob Naish

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  Rob Naish

  Rob is a lifelong So'tonian. He is a buyer for a local manufacturing company. His interests are the environment and he is an active member of a local conservation group. He supports the initiatives to deal with anti-social behaviour. He is interested in Leisure and is a keen golfer.

Bitterne Park - Keith Reed

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  Keith Reed

  Keith is 32 years of age and married to a nurse Sarah. Keith is a nationally respected human rights campaigner and ran the groundbreaking campaign in support of terminally ill Diane Pretty who went to the European Court of Human Rights asking to be allowed to die with dignity. He has been a local councillor and director for disability and advice charities.

Coxford - Peter Galton

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  Cllr Peter Galton

  Peter was born in Southampton and has lived here all his life. He joined the Liberal party in 1977 on leaving school. He has represented Coxford Ward as a councillor since 1994. He is a member of Hampshire Fire & Rescue. Peter works for a supermarket chain. He is a keen Saints fan and active member and player of Southampton City Petanque Club (French boule) Member of the Junior Section. He is married to Karen and has 3 children.

Freemantle - Ann Russell

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  Ann Russell

  Anne was born in Southampton and has lived here all her life. She is the wife of Redbridge Cllr Paul Russell. She has worked with people who have learning difficulties for a number of years which she has found both challenging but very satisfying and enjoyable. Being married to a councillor has given her an insight into how the council operates. She comments: "Should I be fortunate enough to be elected, I believe I have the qualities to serve the people of Freemantle."

Harefield - Diana Wills

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  Diana Wills

  Diana is a retired teacher. She was brought up in Southampton. Her interests are Education, the Environment and the Third World. She supports Fair Trade. She is a founder member of the Liberal Democrats

Millbrook - Ceren Davis

• Ceren is a retired Nurse. She was born in Wales and came to Southampton in 1984. She was involved in delivering medical and humanitarian supplies to Bosnia. She is interested in the environment and health and transport, and helping the local community. Her hobbies are Gardening and DIY.

Peartree - Gerry Drake

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  Cllr Gerry Drake

  Gerry Drake is a founder member of Southampton Liberal Democrats. He represented Peartree ward as a county councillor in 1993 and then as a city councillor since 1996. He is very much involved with the local community and helps with a local environmental group. He has worked for many years in the building industry, being a carpenter and joiner by trade. For the last 15 years he was employed at Eastleigh Railway Works. His interests include enjoying music of all kinds.

Portswood - Jill Baston

• Jill has served as a Councillor for Portswood since 1993. In 2003 she was appointed Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport. She is a graduate of Southampton University and has worked in education and the NHS.

Portswood - Steve Sollitt

• Steve is a 36 year old Management Accountant and works locally for the NHS. He was Parliamentary Candidate in the 2005 General Election for the Lib Dems in Southampton Test. He is an experienced councillor having served for 11 years on Eastleigh Borough Council.

Redbridge - Paul Russell

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  Cllr Paul Russell

  Paul has represented Redbridge ward as a City Councillor for 19 years. He was also a County Councillor from 1989-1996. He has served on many committees and panels over the years including Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Police Authority and was Chair of the Environment Committee. He has recently been Cabinet Member for Housing & Homes. His main hobby is golf.

Shirley - Jane Langshaw

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  Jane Langshaw

  Jane was born in Southampton and has lived here all her life. She has spent all her adult life in the Lordswood/Aldermoor area. She is married with six children, two of whom are still living at home. Her husband is a welder in the Docks. She has always worked for the care of the elderly. Her interests include the care of the elderly and children, housing and the community.

Sholing - Barbara Cove

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  Barbara Cove

  Barbara enjoys meeting the public in her work in the box office of a local entertainment venue. She is involved in a number of local community activities and is particularly interested in facilities for young people. She coaches the junior section at a local rowing club.

Swaythling - Dave Beckett

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  Cllr Dave Beckett

  Dave Beckett is Cabinet Member for Resources. He has been a City Councillor since 1991 when he was first elected to the Council. He has served on various committees and panels over the years. He is 54 and Chief Technician at Southampton University in the Engineering Science School, Materials Group working with materials as diverse as GRP, bone cement hip implants and aircraft materials.

Woolston - Martin Lisle

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  Martin Lisle

  Martin has a lot of experience as a driver and is training to be a driving instructor. He is married with 3 children. His hobbies include walking his dogs, D.I.Y. and caravanning.

Related Links

• Local Elections Manifesto Launch
• Read the 2006 English Local Elections Manifesto