York Liberal Democrats have selected local resident Aileen Hingston to contest the forthcoming Micklegate by-election

Aileen is a retired civil servant who has lived in Micklegate ward for 25 years. Her career involved health and social care, refugee issues, and economic statistics. She has been campaigning to resolve parking problems for residents and to improve local bus services.

The by-election has been triggered by the announcement that a Labour Councillor will resign at the end of March.

Since the EU referendum Liberal Democrats have won more by-elections than all other major parties combined. Sarah Olney MP, the newest Liberal Democrat MP who won a by-election in Richmond Park last year, launched Aileen’s campaign in Micklegate last weekend.

Lib Dem candidate for Micklegate Aileen Hingston said:

“I love living in York, and particularly Micklegate with its fantastic heritage and green spaces. Since retirement I have enjoyed contributing to the local community, such as by volunteering in a charity shop. If elected I will continue the York Liberal Democrats’ strong record for protecting frontline services.”

“Micklegate had one of the highest Remain vote in York and residents are being let down by the national Labour Party’s failure to fight against a hard Brexit. Right now the Liberal Democrats are the clearest voice on European issues, which really matter in this ward.”

The by election has not yet been called but is expected to take place on 4th May. The vacancy occurred when Labour Councillor Julie Gunnel announced she was quitting following wranglings within the local Labour Council Group.

The Greens and Tories have already publicised their likely candidates names.

The Liberal Democrats came within a couple of hundred votes of winning the area in a similar by-election which took place in 2002.

To support Aileen’s Campaign email Derek Wann, to donate to Aileen’s By-Election Fund go to yorklibdems.org.uk/donate