Lib Dems announce Jay Sharma for Hillrise (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Lib Dems announce Jay Sharma for Hillrise

October 3, 2003 12:00 AM

Islington Liberal Democrats have announced that local campaigner Jay Sharma will be their candidate in the Hillrise byelection to be held on 30 October. The byelection follows the spectacular win in the Brent East by-election by Sarah Teather MP, who has announced that she will be standing down from Islington Council in order to devote her full energies to serving her new constituents. Jay Sharma, who is married with two children, lives in the ward in Cromartie Road and knows the area well. He is the manager of a Citizens Advice Bureau and has helped many people. Trained as a human rights lawyer, Jay is a member of the board of his housing co-operative, and a former primary school chair of governors. Laura Willoughby, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Islington North said: "I am delighted that Jay has agreed to stand as the Liberal Democrat candidate in this by-election. He is an excellent choice to carry on the hard work that Sarah Teather did for the Hillrise area. "I look forward to working with him on issues such as improving the Archway, tackling anti-social behaviour, providing new streetlighting in the area and getting the best deal for Hillrise residents. "The Liberal Democrats have a strong record of action with achievements such as new Neighbourhood Wardens on the Elthorne Estate. Jay will be a great addition to the Liberal Democrat team of councillors." She added: "Sarah Teather's responsible decision to stand down as a councillor to concentrate fully on serving her constituents is in stark contrast to Labour's Chris Smith. He seems to think it is acceptable to take on carry a high-profile arts administration job, serve Disney, and receive his MP's salary all at the same time."