Stephen Rutherford Selected as PPC for North East Bedfordshire

5.37.53pm GMT Mon 21st Mar 2005

I am excited to be chosen as Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North East Bedfordshire.

On receiving the news of his selection as North East Bedfordshire's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Stephen commented :- "I will be campaigning on our record. For the last four years we have been the effective opposition, taking on the Government over the issues that really matter. The Conservative party has had its chance in opposition and failed. In this area, it's the Liberal Democrats who are the alternative to the Conservatives. Labour has all but disappeared in North East Bedfordshire. The Liberal Democrats offer a real alternative and I look forward to putting that across."

North East Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats have chosen local campaigner Stephen Rutherford as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. The decision was made by unanimous vote at the party's hustings meeting in Biggleswade.

Born in a rural part of Essex, Stephen grew up in a village very similar to many in North East Bedfordshire. Part of a close family, Stephen had a fortunate start in life.

Stephen studied Engineering at the University of Surrey, in Guildford, graduating in 1993. This has lead to an interesting and varied career in high-technology industries. He is currently working within Jaguar Engineering at Coventry. His work involves technical understanding, good teamwork, negotiation and project management.

Stephen has lived and worked in Manchester, Portsmouth and Hitchin. This has provided experience of life in both prosperous and neglected communities, in both rural and urban areas.

Stephen moved to Shortstown six years ago, and has been very impressed by the strength of community spirit within the village. It inspired him to become actively involved in the community. He is currently chair of the local 'Community Forum', responsible for co-ordinating and fund raising for local projects. Through the Forum, Stephen has helped obtain equipment and space for a community IT facility.

A committed Liberal Democrat since he was twenty, he was originally was drawn to the party by its commitment to fairness. Recent events have convinced him that this is the only party that could be trusted in government. He is looking forward to putting that message across as North East Bedfordshire's Liberal Democrat PPC.

Stephen is 35 years old, happily married and enjoys working with people.

Stephen has been part of the Liberal Democrat Campaign Team for all recent local campaigns. This has included the successful 2002 Bedford Borough Mayoral and 2003 Mid-Beds campaigns.

Constituency Background

Based on the most recent election results, the Liberal Democrats are clearly the only alternative to the Conservatives in the North East Bedfordshire constituency.

The Liberal Democrats have 4 Disitrict and Borough Councils within the constituency, and are the largest opposition party on the District and Borough councils.

Labour have NO Mid-Beds councillors in this constituency

Labour have NO Bedford Borough councillors in this constituency

The Liberal Democrats came ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives in the 2002 Bedford Borough Mayoral election that covers approx half of the constituency. Labour came a poor fourth.

For further information contact:

Stephen Rutherford

50 Greycote

Shortstown

01234 740464

nebedslibdems@aol.com