AN AWARD-WINNING solicitor will stand for the Liberal Democrats in Leeds North West at the next election.

Last week Greg Mulholland, who represented the constituency for the party for 12 years until last June, announced he would not be standing again.

Now Kamran Hussain, the Liberal Democrats' Yorkshire and Humber Regional Chair and Senior Partner at Whiterose Blackmans Solicitors LLP, in Headingley, has been named as his successor.

Mr Hussain, who is married with two young children, said: "I am delighted to be given an opportunity to lead the fight to win back Leeds North West.

"This is a Liberal constituency and it needs a Liberal Democrat MP.

"Having studied, worked and campaigned in the constituency for two decades I understand the issues people face.

"Greg Mulholland was a brilliant MP. He was hard working, focused on the constituency, and I would like to emulate his work.

"We need someone who will put our area first again, like Greg, and I believe I am that person.

"The Tory Government are making a mess of Brexit and the Labour leadership are holding their hands in the process.

"I will continue to campaign for a people’s vote to give the people the final say. And if the deal is not good enough then the people should have the option to exit from Brexit."

Referring to the seat's Labour MP Alex Sobel he added: "Local services are suffering from a Labour council that is complacent and out of touch.

"The current MP is unwilling to call them out. In Parliament, he is simply going along with the party leadership, despite the impact this is having on his constituents.

"I will stand up for our area and put local people first. I’m relishing taking the fight to Labour and demanding better for local people."

Chair of the Liberal Democrat Group on Otley Town Council, Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "I am delighted to welcome Kamran as our new Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC).

"He has strong Yorkshire roots and will bring new energy and commitment to the task of ensuring that Leeds North West again returns a Liberal Democrat MP at the next General Election.

"The Otley Liberal Democrat team look forward to working closely with Kamran as we build towards next year’s town and city council elections and beyond.”

Chair of the Leeds North West Constituency, Councillor Douglas Robinson, added: "Leeds North West Liberal Democrats are delighted to welcome Kamran Hussain as our new PPC.

"He was born, raised and educated in West Yorkshire and has fought for the legal and human rights of people of all backgrounds throughout his adult life.

"He is an award winning professional, a life-long Liberal Democrat who believes in providing opportunities for all. His energy, vision and commitment will usher in a new era of Liberal Democrat success in Leeds North West."

*Mr Hussain won the Services to Law category of the British Muslim Awards 2018.