Lucy Care's campaign off to a flying start in Derby North

10.35.29am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Apr 2010

As Gordon Brown fires the starting gun for the general election, popular local campaigner Lucy Care has already hit the streets and is fighting to win Derby North.

Lib Dem candidate Lucy Care said:

"I'm delighted to be standing for Derby North.

"I live locally, my family and I use local services, and I believe it is vital that Derby North has a local champion who will fight for our area.

"Talking to local people, it is clear that they are angry and disillusioned with the way things are at the moment.

"Local people want a change.

"In Derby North, we have a real opportunity to make that change.

"Boundary changes have made the new Derby North a really close contest between me and Labour's candidate.

"The Conservatives start off a distant third in Derby North. There are 12 Lib Dem councillors, seven Labour councillors and just two Conservative councillors. The Conservatives clearly cannot win here."

Leader of Derby City Council Cllr Hilary Jones said:

"Lucy Care is a great candidate and the Liberal Democrats could not ask for a stronger candidate to represent local people.

"Lucy is Derby through and through. She was born in Derby, has lived in the city most of her life, and has served Derby as a councillor for many years.

"Lucy has strong views on issues like the environment, education and industry. She would be a breath of fresh air in Westminster and, as an MP, I have no doubt that she will be a tireless champion for Derby."

Liberal Democrat Head of campaigns for the Midlands Stuart Bray said "Lucy Care has a really good chance of winning Derby North for the Liberal Democrats.

"Time after time in recent elections the Lib Dems have topped the poll in Derby North and proved we can win here."

Meanwhile in Derby South Lib Dem candidate David Batey starts in second place and will be strongly challenging ex Cabinet Minister Margaret Beckett.