LIBERAL Democrat Bishop's Stortford district councillor Mione Goldspink has been selected as the prospective parliamentary candidate for the Hertford and Stortford constituency at the general election.

Mrs Goldspink, 59, has lived in Avenue Road for 30 years and has been an East Herts district councillor for the last ten years.

She was a GP until 1996 when she retired to concentrate on her work as Bishop's Stortford mayor. She has since been doing some part-time locum work.

Mrs Goldspink said: "I applied to be considered as a candidate at the end of June. I'm very pleased, delighted and honoured to have been chosen. I think it will be very interesting. I feel it's an honour."

She added: "I don't think the Labour vote will be as high as it was last time. I look forward to offering Liberal Democrat policies to the community which give a real alternative to Labour and the Conservatives.

"I think education is one of the most important aspects along with health, law and order and transport."

Her husband George is a university professor and they have three children and three grandchildren.

She said: "I'm glad I have done as much as I have. It's a great opportunity to do different things in life. I will be very happy if I get the opportunity to help the community in a new way."

Councillor Gerald Francis, Hertford and Stortford constituency chairman, said: "I'm very pleased that Mione has agreed to stand. She's a very popular choice and has already had a positive influence in East Herts.

"The constituency needs an MP with strong local roots and a positive attitude towards the challenges that this area will face in future years."