Lib Dems choose Francesco Fruzza for Cleveland by-election

4.00.20am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 23rd Jun 2007

Francesco Fruzza - local choice, local champion

Following the death of Conservative Councillor Brian Castle of Ealing's Cleveland ward, the Liberal Democrats have selected local campaigner Francesco Fruzza as their candidate for the resulting by-election, to be held on July 19th.

In the May 2006 local elections, Francesco Fruzza contested Cleveland for the Lib Dems and came within only 88 votes of being elected. Labour trailed over 800 votes behind, so the by-election will be a straight contest between Lib Dem Francesco Fruzza and a Conservative candidate.

Francesco was born, educated and has lived all of his life in Ealing. He has an Italian background and is married with two children and works as an IT Manager.

Francesco Fruzza said: "It is always sad when someone you know passes away suddenly. I am standing in the by-election because I want to continue my fight for a cleaner, safer local environment and against the threat of the Uxbridge Road tram. If elected I will devote myself to working for the residents of Cleveland."

At the close of nominations on June 22nd, Ealing Council officials confirmed that Francesco will be the only candidate standing in the by-election who lives in Cleveland ward.

Francesco added: "Living in the area, I know that many residents are disappointed that the Conservatives have not made the improvements they promised since they gained control of Ealing Council over a year ago. I will offer a strong opposition to the ruling Conservative group on the Council."