Liberal Democrats announce Stoke candidate

Central
West Midlands
Liberal Democrats
Monday 23 January 2017 at 6:42pm

Credit: PA

Dr Zulfiqar Ali will be the Liberal Democrat candidate for next month’s Stoke-on-Trent Central by-election.

Dr Ali is a consultant cardiologist who has lived in Stoke with his family since 2001. He was born in Kashmir, Pakistan, and has three children.

He served as a Cllr from Hanley West / Shelton ward in 2008 to 2011 and was Deputy Group Leader 2009 to 2011.

He was the party’s candidate in Stoke-on-Trent Central in 2015.It's thought his campaign will focus on why he feels it is vital for Stoke’s prosperity that we remain in the European Single Market (he was a passionate Remain supporter in the referendum), as well as focusing on local NHS services, which he says need more funding.Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

Dr Ali said:

“I am proud to be the Liberal Democrat candidate for Stoke-on-Trent Central. We desperately need a new voice to represent the area. This Conservative Brexit Government is pursuing a hard Brexit which will rip Britain out of the Single Market and hit our economy. People must be given a say on the final deal and the Liberal Democrats are now the only party fighting to protect jobs by keeping us in the Single Market. I am also very concerned about NHS and care funding. From my work as a doctor, I know the government has to put more money into the system. Labour cannot be trusted either – it is their PFI contract which is costing the local NHS so much money. The Liberal Democrats will fight for that investment in services, and to keep Britain open, tolerant and united."