Disability candidate

Lib Dem Candidate Chosen

Dukes Ward Liberal Democrats have selected Teresa Smith to be their candidate in the local elections in May. Dukes Ward is the biggest ward in Southport, consisting of the Town Centre and Shoreside, Birkdale areas.

The selection of the candidate was delayed for one month due to the tragic death of Dukes Ward Lib Dem Chair Robert Hamilton.

Teresa Smith is a qualified social worker and counsellor who also previously worked for National Giro Bank. She has lived in Southport for the past 40 years and presently lives in Grosvenor Gardens, Birkdale.

Teresa is a Thalidomide survivor who has campaigned on access and disability issues for many years. She has also worked with terminally ill patients and for an international charity.

Teresa says "I am very keen to use my advocacy skills to support the community in whatever way I am able to.To work for those less fortunate than myself and press for social justice. I wish to make Southport a better place for people to live in. Southport's economy is crucial, as is residents' quality of life. We must try to improve basic Council services, to make it easier for people to get around, and to take care of our environment."

"There are many crucial Planning issues in the ward, particularly in Birkdale. We must try to protect our green space wherever we can and build the right sort of homes where they are most needed."

The last local election in Dukes Ward was the closest in Southport, with the Lib Dems beating the Conservatives by just 169 votes.