Beaumont welcomes Rob Ryan to the Liberal Democrats

3.51.17pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Apr 2010

Folkestone and Hythe Liberal Democrat candidate Lynne Beaumont has welcomed former Green Party member Rob Ryan to the Liberal Democrats. Rob Ryan has quit the Green Party and joined the Liberal Democrats as the only viable alternative to the Conservative Party locally.

Rob Ryan is a leading environmental campaigner in Shepway, and is Chair of the "Keep the Marsh Special Alliance" which campaigns against the expansion of Lydd Airport.

Lynne Beaumont has warmly welcomed Rob's decision to join the Liberal Democrats, saying:

"I'm delighted Rob has joined the Liberal Democrats. I've known Rob for some time, and have always been impressed with his dedication and commitment to the environment and Shepway as a whole. Rob will be a big asset to the Lib Dems here in Shepway, and shows that the Liberal Democrats are committed to protecting our environment both locally and nationally.

"The General Election here is a clear choice between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Labour, UKIP and the Green Party have no Councillors elected anywhere in the area, and with Labour also slumping in the opinion polls, only the Lib Dems can challenge to win here in Folkestone and Hythe."