Gordon Liberal Democrats select Bruce as their candidate for next election

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th Jun 2008

Malcolm with local Liberal Democrats and Highlands MP, Danny Alexander at his selection meeting in Oyne

Local Liberal Democrats gathered in Oyne last night (Thursday 19th) to give their backing to current MP Malcolm Bruce as their chosen candidate for the Gordon constituency in the next general election.

The event took place in the soon to be opened restaurant at Touched by Scotland and saw party members welcome the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander, who is also Chief of Staff to the Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.

Malcolm Bruce expressed his gratitude to the people of Gordon for having returned him at six previous elections. He also went on to say:

"I will continue to campaign for improvements to our vital services - especially for road, rail and other public transport links; new school and leisure facilities and health centres.

I want local taxes for local services, giving public authorities predictable funding. Not all our taxes should disappear down south. Devolution must not stop at Edinburgh.

As New Labour's rule comes to an end, we need a strong party of Liberal Democrats to defend our civil liberties, protect the environment, promote principled foreign engagement and stand up for individuals and communities."

Mr. Alexander gave his endorsement to Malcolm as the Gordon candidate. He added:

"Malcolm offered great personal support to me during my own election campaign in 2005 and I am delighted to be able to be here tonight to support his candidature in turn.

"Malcolm's election in 1983 was an inspiration to our party across Scotland. Since then the Liberal Democrats have established a firm presence in the North East and will continue to strive for more seats in the next general election."

ENDS