Nasser Butt to challenge Sadiq Khan in Tooting

4.21.00pm GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2010

The Liberal Democrats have selected Nasser Butt as their prospective parliamentary candidate for Tooting. Nasser Butt is one of the party's senior human rights activists, a long time campaigner for the party, and one its most senior Asian figures.

This is a challenge to Tooting's current MP, Sadiq Khan, who is currently a transport minister. Sadiq Khan won the seat in 2005, but with a greatly reduced majority. Labour's share of the vote fell by 11% to 43% turning this into a three way contest with the Conservatives on 30% and the Liberal Democrats, whose vote share rose by more than any other party, on nearly 20%.

The appointment of such a senior figure shows that the Liberal Democrats take the constituency seriously.

Nasser Butt comments:

"Tooting used to be a Labour stronghold in this well established Tory Borough. But local people feel that Labour has been letting them down, as the area suffers from increasing neglect.

Apart from in Graveney ward, where the Liberal Democrats are posing a strong challenge, local politics seems to be dying in this part of the borough. Labour and the Conservatives only talk to their core supporters and are not engaging properly with residents. I believe that a strong Liberal Democrat challenge will change that, and bring the area the attention it deserves.

Labour is in terminal decline here. This presents a real opportunity for the Liberal Democrats."

Nasser Butt plans to bring the Liberal Democrat style of local politics to Wandsworth, following the party's successes in the neighbouring boroughs of Sutton, Kingston and Richmond. This promotes much greater engagement between local councils and the people they serve, as well as promoting strong environmental values.

Commenting on the appointment, Battersea & Tooting local party Chair, Matthew Green says: "We are very excited to have Nasser as our PPC here in Tooting. It confirms our arrival as a serious player in Wandsworth politics."