Lib Dems Choose Local Campaigner Afifa Pervez For Wembley

2.08.54pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Jun 2009

Local campaigner Afifa Pervez will stand for the Liberal Democrats in Wembley Central

The Liberal Democrats have selected local Wembley campaigner Afifa Pervez as their candidate for the Wembley Central by-election.

Afifa has 3 daughters and is now a foster parent. She has lived in Wembley for 32 years, went to school in Brent, and has volunteered teaching local children religious studies. Afifa has been campaigning on issues such as extending the number 18 bus route to Northwick Park Hospital and to help clean up Wembley's streets.

Like previous council by-elections in Brent, Wembley Central is set to be a close race between the Lib Dems and Gordon Brown's Labour party. The Conservatives finished 3rd last time and cannot win.

Local campaigner Afifa Pervez said

"I'm delighted to have been selected by the Liberal Democrats to contest Wembley Central. I live locally and I have seen Labour neglect our area for years. I want to help continue the work of Liberal Democrat Councillors Daniel Bessong and Valerie Brown to help make Wembley a better place.

"As a mother and a foster parent I know the challenges facing local families right now. More than ever Wembley needs a local councillor who will fight on behalf of our local community."

Liberal Democrat Leader of Brent Council Paul Lorber said

"It is great news that Afifa will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in Wembley Central. I know she'll make an excellent councillor.

"The Liberal Democrats have a record of achievement in Wembley to be proud of, from improving street cleaning to investing in Ealing Road Library. Local people have been let down by Gordon Brown and shocked by the expenses claims of Wembley's Labour MPs. This election is a chance for the people of Wembley to send a message to Labour that enough is enough."