Lyon congratulates Mike Crockart on his selection to fight Edinburgh West

9.00.00pm GMT Fri 30th Oct 2009

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have selected Mike Crockart as their new candidate for the Edinburgh West seat. John Barrett, the current Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West announced he would not contest the seat at the next general election.

Commenting, Mr Crockart said:

"Im over the moon to be selected, but I will take nothing for granted.

"These are big shoes to fill. John Barrett has ably represented West Edinburgh for the last eight years as their MP and as a councillor for many years before then.

"Edinburgh West is the financial heart of the city and many people have lost their jobs as a result of Labours mismanagement of our financial services. I will be working hard to protect as many financial jobs as possible and also to get people back into work as quickly as possible."

Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland George Lyon congratulated Mike Crockart, saying:

"Mike stood out in what was a very strong field of candidates. It just goes to show the great depth of talent the Liberal Democrats have in Scotland.

"I look forward to campaigning with Mike in Edinburgh West over the coming months and years. Edinburgh West has had a great Liberal Democrat MP for the last 8 years.I will work hard with Mike to ensure that another Liberal Democrat MP, who will stand up for his constituents, is returned to Westminster at the next General Election."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP added:

"Mike is one of the new outstanding figures in the Liberal Democrats. He will be a very powerful voice for real change. I look forward to campaigning with Mike, in Edinburgh on many a day between now and whenever Gordon Browns desperate Government comes to an end."