Working for Everyone - The 'out list' of lesbian and gay Lib Dem candidates

12.00.00am GMT Tue 11th Mar 2003

The Liberal Democrats have launched their 'out list' of either gay and lesbian candidates or gay and lesbian friendly candidates for May's local election.

The list is led by Brighton & Hove's Lib Dem Leader, Councillor Paul Elgood (Brunswick & Adelaide) and includes well known figures in the lesbian and gay community such as former Councillors Bob Bailey (Goldsmid) and Brian Ralph (Westbourne). New faces will include Kevin Donnelly who is fighting the marginal Regency ward for the Lib Dems.

Gay friendly candidates include sitting Councillors David Watkins (Brunswick & Adelaide), Dawn Davidson (Regency), Jenny Barnard-Langston (Central Hove) and Mark Barnard (Central Hove), who all have strong records on their work with the lesbian and gay community.

Launching the list, Councillor Paul Elgood said:

"All candidates who stand for us must be sympathetic to the issues minority groups such as the lesbian and gay community face. The Liberal Democrats are putting forward an experienced set of candidates who will make a difference both the LGBT community but also the city as a whole."

"We are delighted to see Bob Bailey make a long overdue comeback to politics in Goldsmid ward. He has an outstanding reputation and understands the need of this community. Our community needs to see the likes of Bob Bailey back on the council."

Bob Bailey was the high profile leader of the Lib Dems on Hove Council and also sat on East Sussex County Council. He was well known for his hardwork and dedication to the communities he represented.

Bob said:

"I'm looking forward to being active again on the council. It's the Liberal Democrats who are making the difference on a range of issues."