ELECTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: Clocking up the miles for Brentford, Chiswick, Hounslow & Isleworth

Andrew Dakers is joined on Tuesday afternoon by a group of supporters for the campaign launch

Prospective MP Andrew Dakers will begin the Liberal Democrat election campaign for Brentford and Isleworth this afternoon (Tuesday 5 April 2005) with a demonstration of his commitment to go the extra mile for his constituency.

Moore Bros bicycle shop, Isleworth, will be the first stop on Dakers' campaign trail, where he will be asking staff to fit a new speedometer to his bicycle. From here he will launch his campaign, setting a new and dynamic trial for incumbent Labour MP Ann Keen, as he challenges her to walk and cycle further to reach voters in Brentford and Isleworth.

Andrew Dakers and Satnam Khalsa, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Feltham and Heston, have already shown their dedication by pledging to continue to live in the constituency and surrender their housing allowances should they be elected MPs.

Speaking on the subject, Dakers promised: "Neither Satnam nor I would claim any of the £17,669 per annum that husband and wife Alan and Ann Keen MP are each claiming as an 'Additional Costs Allowance." Khalsa went on to say: "Taxpayers should be able to make a judgement whether their MP's performance justifies their costs."

Focusing on the importance of letting voters have their say and giving them the power to hold MPs to account, both candidates have also signed up to the following additional pledges:

• To be a local MP and have an office open 7 days a week in the heart of the constituency.
• To hold advice surgeries at least every two weeks to help ALL constituents.
• To campaign to improve health services, increase police numbers, save our Post Offices and clean up the area.
• To bring together a Community Forum where local residents, press and any other organisations can raise issues and concerns and hold me accountable at a local level.

On the eve of the campaign's launch, Charles Kennedy is confident that the Liberal Democrats, with their commitment to accountable government, investing in education and the NHS, scrapping unfair council tax and tuition fees, and making the environment a priority, are putting forward real solutions to Britain's problems: "Our democracy is moving in a new direction and the Liberal Democrats are integral and essential to achieving that change."

A YouGov online poll of nearly 22,000 people since the beginning of the year puts Labour on 36 (down 6 points from the 2001 election), the Tories on 33 (no change) and the Lib Dems on 22 (up 3). With a swing of almost 2 points from the Tories to the Lib Dems, The Times notes that this could unseat Oliver Letwin, the shadow chancellor, who has a majority of only 1,414 in Dorset West.

ENDS

Notes to editors

PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES

ANDREW DAKERS (Brentford and Isleworth)

Andrew Dakers is a tireless campaigner on both local and global issues. As Chair of Brentford Community Council, Andrew led a number of campaigns on high impact development proposals. As an active member of Brentford Action Recycling Group (BRAG), Andrew has contributed his promotional skills to raising awareness and understanding.

Andrew grew up and still lives in Brentford, but has also lived and worked in developing countries. Andrew holds an MSc in Development Management from The Open University.

Beyond politics, Andrew's professional career encompasses both the private and public sector. He worked for several years in public broadcasting before launching a radio station and magazine targeted at students. Andrew then spent time working at the United Nations in New York before assuming the role of Communications Adviser for one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.

SATNAM KAUR KHALSA (Feltham and Heston)

Satnam Kaur has lived in Hounslow for over thirty years. She studied at Cranford Comprehensive and went to university where she graduated with a BSc. (Hons) in Biological Sciences. She raised a family of three children and

later qualified as an accountant.

After a job with the Department of Social Security (DSS) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Satnam Kaur worked as an auditor with the London Borough of Hounslow, and has stayed in auditing, both in the public and private sector, ever since. Through this career she has developed an extensive knowledge of the public sector.

Satnam is active in the community and has campaigned on a range of issues including a safe pedestrian crossing over the A4 and the fight against the bridge over the houseboat moorings on the Grand Union Canal. She has also tackled concerns such as potholes, uneven pavements, street rubbish, recycling and the need for better bus services. This year Satnam's campaigns have focused on saving our Post Offices and axing the Council Tax. She is a co-opted member of the Cranford & Heston Area Committee.

Her interests include fair trade and other international development issues. Satnam is also passionate about the environment and the arts and when she can find the time in her schedule enjoys painting and playing the 'Dilruba', a traditional Sikh musical instrument.