Jonathan Fryer chosen for Poplar and Limehouse

11.26.00pm GMT Thu 26th Nov 2009

At a packed Annual General Meeting of Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats at Oxford House, Bethnal Green, tonight, the writer, lecturer and broadcaster Jonathan Fryer was selected as the party's prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency of Poplar and Limehouse.

Jonathan has lived in the constituency for over 20 years and only narrowly missed becoming the LibDems' second London MEP in June's Euro-elections.

The Poplar and Limehouse contest is destined to be a high-profile affair, following the furore over the walk-out from a Muslim wedding of the sitting MP, Labour Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, and George Galloway's decision to move over from neighbouring Bethnal Green and Bow, where he ousted Oona King in 2005 at the height of Respect's popularity.

Jonathan lectures at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), as well as writing for BBC Radio 4 and The Guardian, and is the author of a dozen non-fiction books. He is Chairman-elect of London Liberal Democrats.

'I've always loved this area for its vibrancy and diversity,' Jonathan comments, 'but it also presents serious challenges with its huge disparity between rich and poor. I look forward to a vigorous election campaign as a candidate who is deeply rooted in the local community and free from any vested interests.'

Welcoming the selection of Jonathan, Councillor Stephanie Eaton said "Jonathan is an excellent candidate who will be a champion for the people of Poplar and Limehouse. Jonathan is thoughtful, caring and listens to people. He joins our candidate in Bethnal Green and Bow, experienced media commentator and social activist, Ajmal Masroor, as the second Liberal Democrat PPC in Tower Hamlets. This team will prove unbeatable in the two constituencies and offers the people of the Borough an opportunity to have two Member of Parliament who will stand up for civil liberties, human rights, and will fight for local communities."