Lib Dems announce candidate to fight Lewisham Mayoral by-elections

Former councillor Chris Maines has been announced as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the forthcoming mayoral by-election following Damien Egan’s resignation earlier this month.

Mr Maines – who works for the NHS – is a former Lewisham councillor and has lived in Blackheath for almost 20 years.  

A by-election to elect the new Lewisham Mayor will take place on March 7.

Mr Maines said: “I believe Lewisham has been badly run for too long and voting for another Labour Mayor will simply mean the council becomes even more complacent. 

“I am committed to delivering a greener borough. Our embarrassing rates for low recycling and high levels of fly-tipping need to be transformed. More action is also needed to tackle air pollution.  

“Most importantly, instead of making misleading claims about delivering affordable homes we need to ensure Lewisham council stands up to developers and ensures far higher levels of affordable homes are really delivered.”

Last month, Councillor Brenda Dacres was announced as Labour’s candidate for the election.

The by-election comes following Mr Egan’s resignation on January 10, after it was announced that he would run as a Labour candidate in the forthcoming by-election in Kingswood, south Gloucestershire.

Lewisham council has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: Chris Maines (Picture: Lewisham council)