CONGLETON MP Ann Winterton is to face fresh opposition in the future after the Liberal Democrats announced a new prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency.

Paul Jones, Congleton Borough Councillor for Alsager Central Ward, has taken over from David Lloyd Griffiths who stood at the last general election.

Clr Jones has served on the borough council since 1999 and during his time in office has been vice-chairman of the planning committee, chairman of the council's Area 1 Forum and, as a member of the council's executive, was responsible for the performance portfolio.

He is currently vice chairman of the economic development committee and spokesman for the Liberal Democrat group on environmental services.

Speaking about his selection Clr Jones said: "There has never been a better time to be a Liberal Democrat.

"With the Government now mistrusted by the vast majority of the population and the Tory party not able to muster a credible opposition, electors everywhere are looking to the Liberal Democrats for leadership.

"Here in Congleton in particular our policies on rural affairs, education and health are extremely popular.

"I feel we have a great deal to offer and it seems that many people, who are fed up with the spin and dogma that has dominated national politics in recent years, see in the Liberal Democrats an honest, open and inclusive kind of politics that has been sadly lacking at national level."