Simon Hughes says Anood will be great councillor (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Simon Hughes says Anood will be great councillor

November 9, 2007 12:00 AM

Southwark and Bermondsey Liberal Democrats have unanimously selected well-known local campaigner Anood Al-Samerai to fight the December Riverside ward by-election.

At the local Liberal Democrat AGM on Thursday night, local party members gave Anood their enthusiastic support and fired the starting gun for an energetic and positive campaign.

26-year-old Anood was born in King's College Hospital, brought up in the borough and has lived in Camberwell and Bermondsey for the last 17 years.

After working at Guy's Hospital, Anood has become widely respected across Bermondsey for her work in Simon Hughes' office over the last four years, helping thousands of local residents with problems such as housing, antisocial behaviour and healthcare.

Speaking after her selection, Anood said:

"I am really excited and privileged to have the chance to be the next Liberal Democrat councillor in Riverside ward.

"After helping so many people in Bermondsey over the years, I fully understand the challenges we face, as well as the huge potential of the area. I passionately believe in strong local communities and will use all my energy and local experience to stand up and win for the people and families of this great and proud community.

"Like many young people in the borough I have struggled to find affordable housing locally.

"I will make affordable housing for all and excellent facilities for young people my top priorities as Bermondsey's new local councillor."

Simon Hughes, Bermondsey's local MP, said:

"Anood is a great choice to be our next local councillor. I have seen Anood's enormous amount of commitment, energy and work over several years and am convinced nobody will fight harder for all our local residents and families. Anood is worthy of everybody's enthusiastic support."

The by-election in Riverside ward will be held on 13 December 2007.