The Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the Chesham and Amersham by-election to replace late MP Dame Cheryl Gillan.

Sarah Green’s campaign to represent the constituency was launched by Lib Dem leader Ed Davey in Chesham on Saturday (May 8).

Ms Green says her priorities are to “fight alongside local people against Conservative plans for a developer’s free-for-all”, to “protect the Chilterns against excessive development” and to “make sure local people get the public services they deserve”.

She added: “I’m deeply honoured to be chosen as the local Liberal Democrats choice to succeed Dame Cheryl Gillan.

“This constituency has a proud track record of electing strong Welsh women and I intend to continue that.

“Talking to local people, it’s clear that the Conservatives have ignored their views for too long. Locally, they have failed to protect our precious green spaces by completely failing to deliver a Local Plan that would control excessive development, while nationally, their Government wants to rip-up planning laws that would create a developer’s free-for-all here in the Chilterns.”

Launching the local party’s campaign from its headquarters in Amersham, Mr Davey said: “I’ve known Sarah for over fifteen years, she is a fantastic campaigner with a track record of standing up for local communities. She would be an outstanding local MP.

“For too long the Conservatives have taken Chesham and Amersham for granted, often ignoring the views of local people.

“Local people have a simple choice at this election. They can elect Sarah, a hardworking local Liberal Democrat and an outstanding campaigner, or a Conservative candidate who will put their Party’s interests above their constituents.”

It comes after the Conservatives and Green Party announced their candidates last week.

A date for the by-election has not yet been set.