Danny Findlay selected to fight Stoney Stanton and Croft by-election

Liberal Democrats have picked Danny Findlay to contest the forthcoming Stoney Stanton and Croft County Council by-election.

The election, to be held on May 3rd was caused by the death of longstanding Conservative Councillor Ernie White. It is the first County Council by-election in Leicestershire since 2011.

Danny Findlay lives in Burbage and is active in the community being an Air Cadets Instructor. He works in finance and has a long-term partner Sophie who works for the NHS.

Danny Findlay said "I'm delighted to be able to stand for Stoney Stanton and Croft. I will campaign for local residents on the major issues that affect them.

"The biggest concerns residents have raised is the problem of over development with many more houses planned locally, but without the necessary infrastructure, such as a lack of GP surgery provision, that will be needed to cope with the extra population.

"Residents are also concerned about the lack of consultation about these developments. There is a feeling amongst local people that all these far reaching decisions which will change the area for ever are being taken by central government, regional bodies and the County Council with little or no regard for the interest of the people of the area. If the people of Stoney Stanton and Croft elect me they will have a Councillor who will raise their concerns about the speed and scale of development loud and clear to all the decision makers."

Leader of Leicestershire Lib Dem County Councillors Simon Galton said "Danny Findlay is a brilliant candidate and will make a first-class addition to the Lib Dem team at the County Council. This by-election takes place a year after the Conservatives were re-elected in last year's County Council elections and is the public's first chance to cast a verdict on the Conservative County Council's performance since then.

"We have had a budget where Leicestershire Conservatives brought in an inflation-busting Council Tax rise of 5.99% whilst slashing vital services, such as special educational needs children's transport, highways maintenance, rural bus services and closing many Children's Centres.

"The Lib Dems are by far the largest opposition group to the Tories on the County Council, this election gives residents the chance to vote for an excellent Lib Dem candidate and against the huge Council Tax rises and savage service cuts being imposed on them by the Conservatives on Leicestershire County Council."