Following news that Wimbledon's Conservative MP will not now stand at the next General Election, Cllr Paul Kohler said:
"Although we have 'crossed swords' politically on many occasions I have always respected Stephen Hammond as a constituency MP. I would like to place on record my thanks to him for his work in Parliament over the last 18 years.
"It is a privilege being the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Wimbledon.
"My wife and I have lived in Wimbledon - where we raised our four daughters - for over 30 years. I want to give something back to the community that has been so supportive to us.
"At the next election, local people will have a clear choice between a Conservative Party that has crashed our economy, polluted our rivers and left our schools and public buildings to collapse. I will stand up for local health and social care services, campaign to ensure the long-term future of Wimbledon police station, fight to grow our economy and strive to give a voice to those who demand better from their Government and their MP. They need an MP who they can trust and who will fight for a fairer deal for our area."
"If you share my vision for a fair, free and tolerant Wimbledon then I urge you join my campaign. Together we can win for Wimbledon."
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